Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva urged US President Donald Trump in a phone call Friday to resolve their countries’ trade dispute, saying US tariffs were imposed on “baseless” grounds.
Washington imposed two new rounds of tariffs on the Latin American giant in July over alleged unfair trade practices, a move that has become a key campaign issue ahead of an October presidential election in Brazil.
Lula — who is seeking a fourth and final term in office — told Trump that the tariffs “negatively affect both Brazil and the United States” and that “to remain at the negotiating table is the best option for both countries,” according to a statement from his office.
Relations between Trump and the leftist Lula have blown hot and cold in recent months, but diplomatic tensions have flared as the election approaches.
Trump has backed several victorious right-wing candidates in Latin America recently and is an ally of Brazil’s jailed far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, whose son Flavio is Lula’s main rival in the election.
The statement from the Brazilian presidency said the conversation between Trump and Lula lasted an hour and 20 minutes and “took place in a friendly and cordial tone.”
Lula, 80, has made national sovereignty a key theme of his campaign.
He said recently that if he spoke to Trump he would tell him: “Don’t meddle in Brazil’s affairs, especially regarding the election. If you do meddle, you’ll lose.”
