At the ASEAN summit, Brazilian President Lula expressed optimism about a U.S.-Brazil trade deal following talks with Trump, who remained cautious, amid tensions over U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods.
Regfollower Desk
During the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shared insights into his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, expressing optimism about a potential trade agreement between the two nations.
Lula stated that Trump had “guaranteed” a deal would be reached and suggested it could happen “faster than anyone thinks.” He described the discussions as positive and emphasised Brazil’s strategic importance in South America, highlighting its economic influence and proximity to neighbouring countries.
Trump, however, struck a more cautious tone when speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after leaving Malaysia. While he acknowledged having a “good meeting” with Lula and described him as “a very vigorous guy,” he remained uncertain about the likelihood of a trade deal, saying, “I don’t know if anything’s going to happen, but we’ll see.”
The backdrop to these discussions includes heightened tensions between the two countries, with the US imposing 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods in response to the sentencing of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Lula criticised these measures as “incorrect” but expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with Trump on various issues, including offering to collaborate with the US on regional matters.
