Understand the next steps after the meeting between Lula and Trump on tariffs

The conversation between Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and Donald Trump, this Sunday (26), in Kuala Lumpur, marked a turning point in relations between Brazil and the United States. At the center of the agenda: the 50% tariffs imposed by Washington on Brazilian products and the efforts of the two governments to unlock a trade agreement.

It was the first formal meeting between the presidents since Trump returned to the White House. The meeting, lasting around 50 minutes, was described by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, as “positive and relaxed”, and opened what the chancellor called the “practical phase of negotiations”.

“President Trump declared that he will give instructions to his team to begin the bilateral negotiation process with Brazil,” said Vieira after the meeting.

What was discussed between the two leaders

During the meeting, Lula once again called for the suspension of tariffs that affect Brazilian exports, especially in the steel, aluminum and critical minerals sectors, for the duration of the negotiation period.

Trump, according to the chancellor, did not present specific conditions for the start of talks, but committed to instructing his advisors to begin technical negotiations immediately. The tone of the meeting, according to Brazilian diplomats, was one of political rapprochement and economic pragmatism.

Vieira also highlighted that the Brazilian president demonstrated interest in discussing all areas of bilateral trade, including cooperation in strategic minerals and rare earths, inputs considered essential for energy and technology production chains.

Next steps

The technical teams from both countries are expected to meet this Monday (27), at 8 am (local time), late this Sunday in Brazil, to define the negotiation schedule and priority sectors.

The meeting was initially scheduled for Sunday night in Malaysia, but was rescheduled after a phone call between Mauro Vieira and the head of the USTR (US Trade Representative Office), Jamieson Greer.

On the Brazilian side, the executive secretary of the MDIC, Márcio Rosa, and the international advisor of Planalto, Audo Faleiros, will also participate.

“This will be the first step in the negotiation process. We will establish the topics on which we must move forward”, stated Vieira.

According to Itamaraty, Brazil will continue to press for the temporary suspension of tariffs until an agreement is signed, although there is still no defined deadline for this to happen.

USA and Venezuela

The meeting also addressed geopolitical issues. Lula offered to act as an interlocutor between Washington and Caracas, amid the deterioration of diplomatic relations with Venezuela.

According to Mauro Vieira, Trump welcomed the proposal and thanked him for the gesture, without detailing how or when this mediation could take place. The initiative is seen by the Brazilian government as a movement to reinforce Brazil’s role as a regional mediator.

Trump wants to visit Brazil

The chancellor confirmed that there was an understanding regarding reciprocal official visits.

“President Trump wants to go to Brazil, and President Lula said he would also gladly go to the United States in the future,” declared Vieira.

The meeting is considered by Itamaraty to be a relevant political advance after months of tension due to tariffs and Magnitsky Law sanctions, which affected STF ministers.

The result of the talks should be detailed by Lula in a press conference scheduled for this Monday (27) in Malaysia, this Sunday night in Brazil, after the first technical round of negotiations.