Lula seeks strategic face-off with Trump at G7 amid tariff threats

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is heading to France for the G7 summit, with a primary objective of securing a one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The goal is to de-escalate the threat of new U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods, which Brazil argues are based on unfair trade practices and concerns about forced labor.

Brazil views the recent U.S. actions, including designating Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations after a meeting between Trump and Jair Bolsonaro's son, as politically motivated. Lula has publicly criticized Bolsonaro's son for allegedly inviting U.S. intervention. This confrontation plays into Lula's pre-election strategy, as he is currently leading in polls by six points. A similar clash with Washington last year boosted his approval ratings.

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national sovereignty is not negotiated

Beyond the U.S. engagement, Brazil's diplomatic efforts will also focus on meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The aim is to prevent an upcoming EU ban on imports of Brazilian meat and other animal products due to the use of prohibited antimicrobials. This European decision, set to take effect in September, has caused significant concern in Brazil.

Lula's participation in the G7 marks his tenth attendance at the summit. While the official agenda is set, Brazilian diplomacy will be actively seeking these crucial bilateral meetings in the margins of the event. A confirmed meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is also on the schedule.

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