Lula Urges Trump to Pursue Dialogue on Tariffs

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva urged dialogue on U.S. tariffs during a call with President Donald Trump, emphasizing that the recent measures are "unfounded." The Brazilian presidency reported the conversation, lasting over an hour, was "friendly" and "cordial." Lula, facing re-election in October, stressed that continued negotiation is the "best option" for both nations.

Washington imposed tariffs on Brazil in July, citing concerns over deforestation, intellectual property, and corruption. Brazil argues that Trump proposed further meetings between teams from both countries to address the issue. Lula has previously accused the U.S. of attempting to interfere in Brazil's upcoming elections, where he faces Jair Bolsonaro's son, Flávio Bolsonaro, an ally of Trump.

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the recent tariffs are 'unfounded' and that in the negotiation table is 'the best option' for both countries

Beyond trade, the leaders discussed the U.S. designation of Brazilian criminal factions, Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), as terrorist organizations. Brazil opposes this classification, stating these groups, while terrorizing impoverished populations, are not terrorist organizations. Lula reiterated his government's preference for methods like financial strangulation to combat these factions, which are prevalent in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo favelas. Security remains a primary concern for Brazilian voters in the upcoming election.

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These criminal groups exercise daily terror over the most deprived populations, but they are not to be confused with terrorist organizations