U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a wide-ranging telephone conversation on Tuesday, covering trade, economic issues, and cooperation against international organised crime, officials said.
AFP reported on Wednesday that Trump confirmed that the discussion also touched on sanctions, likely referring to his administration’s measures targeting Brazil’s judicial authorities over legal proceedings involving former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
"We had a very good conversation. We discussed trade. We talked about sanctions, as you know, I have imposed sanctions related to a few things that have happened," Trump told reporters.
In a social media post after the call, Trump said he looked forward to meeting Lula soon and added that "many good things will come from this new cooperation."
The Brazilian presidential office said Lula expressed gratitude for the United States’ decision to lift additional tariffs on a number of Brazilian products, including coffee and beef.
Last month, Trump scrapped a 40 per cent tariff imposed on certain Brazilian food products such as cocoa and fruit, which had been announced in July in retaliation against legal action taken against Bolsonaro, a close ally of Trump.
During the 40-minute conversation, Lula also emphasised the urgent need to strengthen collaboration with the United States in combating organised international crime.
The discussion comes amid heightened U.S. military activity in the Caribbean and ongoing operations targeting vessels suspected of involvement in drug smuggling off the coast of Venezuela, illustrating broader regional tensions alongside the diplomatic engagement. - December 3, 2025
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