Trump says Brazil’s Lula can call him anytime amid tariff row

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazil, August 1, 2025
Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that Brazilian leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva can call him “anytime” as tensions rise over new U.S. tariffs and sanctions on a Brazilian judge.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Mr Trump said he was fond of Brazilians but believed “the people running Brazil did the wrong thing.” He imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, with many exemptions, to take effect next week.

Brazil’s finance minister, Fernando Haddad, welcomed the U.S. president’s comments, calling them “great” and saying Mr Lula would be willing to speak with him.

In a post on X, Mr Lula said Brazil remained open to dialogue but did not mention Mr Trump directly.

Washington has also sanctioned a Brazilian Supreme Court justice overseeing the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who faces coup-plotting charges after losing the 2022 election.

Mr Lula has denounced both the tariffs and the sanctions, calling them “unjustifiable” and an “unacceptable” interference in Brazil’s justice system.

Mr Haddad said a virtual meeting with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent next week could prepare the ground for talks between Mr Lula and Mr Trump.

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