Lula criticizes latest US tariffs; talks by phone with Trump

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil criticized recent U.S. tariffs imposed on Brazilian imports during a phone call with President Donald Trump, according to a statement released by the Brazilian presidency. The conversation, which lasted one hour and 20 minutes, took place amid growing tensions between the two nations over trade policies. Lula called the reasons cited by the U.S. Office of the United States Trade Representative for imposing the tariffs “unfounded,” as per the official account. He emphasized that staying at the negotiation table was the best option for ensuring continued strong commercial ties between the two countries. The latest tariffs, announced in July, were based on allegations that Brazil engaged in unfair trade practices, including anti-competitive behavior and the importation of goods produced using forced labor. These claims have been rejected by Lula’s government, which argues that such accusations lack merit. The Brazilian president proposed that both sides should work together to resolve these issues through dialogue rather than economic pressure. Trump, in turn, expressed agreement with the need to maintain robust commercial relationships and suggested that teams from both countries meet as soon as possible to address the concerns. During the call, the leaders also discussed efforts to combat organized crime. Lula reaffirmed his administration’s interest in cooperating with the U.S. on this issue, noting that Brazil has tools to tackle criminal groups without needing them to be classified as terrorists. He mentioned strategies such as financial strangulation and plans for new high-security prisons. Trump indicated willingness to strengthen bilateral cooperation and pledged to appoint senior officials to oversee the matter. In international affairs, both leaders agreed on the urgency of finding a negotiated solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has persisted for nearly five years. Lula criticized the inefficiency of the United Nations Security Council, particularly highlighting the role of the United States as a permanent member. He proposed holding an extraordinary meeting to explore diplomatic solutions to ongoing conflicts. The conversation occurred against a backdrop of heightened diplomatic tension between the world's two largest economies in the Americas. It comes just months before Brazil holds elections, in which Lula seeks re-election. The Brazilian government has accused the White House of attempting to influence the outcome in favor of right-wing candidate Flávio Bolsonaro, Lula’s main political opponent. The dispute over the tariffs has led Brazil to initiate legal action against the U.S. at the World Trade Organization, challenging the imposition of duties on Brazilian products. Lula stressed during the call that “great leaders are not those who start wars, but those who end them.” This remark underscores the broader geopolitical context of their discussion, reflecting the complex interplay of trade, diplomacy, and domestic politics in shaping relations between the two nations.