Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Wednesday that Brazil and the U.S. will hold tariff negotiations this week.
His comments in Rio de Janeiro followed a call with President Trump, who appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead the talks alongside Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, after the two agreed to meet last week.
“Trump called me and I asked to have a conversation without formalities,” Lula said. “Tomorrow we will have the negotiation talk.”
As Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Brazilian officials meet in Washington ahead of Thursday’s talks, markets are watching closely after the U.S. imposed steep tariffs on Brazilian exports. Presidents Lula and Trump have clashed for months over the trial of former President Jair Bolsonaro, which Trump called a “witch hunt” while raising tariffs from 10% to 50% in response.
During last week’s call, Lula asked Trump to lift the additional 40% tariff, according to a statement from the Brazilian president’s office.
WATCH: Brazil’s President Lula says tariff talks with US will take place Thursday, following a call with Trump last week. Trump tapped Secretary of State Marco Rubio to lead negotiations with Brazilian officials https://t.co/lymUN5NuSm pic.twitter.com/NRSMyuvgGS
— Reuters Business (@ReutersBiz) October 15, 2025
