Presidents Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump are set to meet on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at the Asean summit, to discuss US-imposed tariffs on Brazil. The meeting's organization involved Brazilian businessmen and diplomats, amid fears of American unpredictability. Lula expresses optimism for a solution without prior demands.
The meeting between Lula and Trump is expected for the late afternoon local time on Sunday in Malaysia, equivalent to early morning on October 26 in Brazil, though it does not appear on the Brazilian president's official agenda. The encounter takes place on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit, where both attend as guests. Key topics include the 50% tariffs imposed by the US on Brazilian products, such as ferro-nickel, cellulose, and wood, and measures like the Magnitsky Act against Minister Alexandre de Moraes.
Arrangements for the meeting began with a teleconference in early October, when Lula requested the removal of the 'tariff hike.' A brief contact occurred at the UN General Assembly in New York, where Trump mentioned 'chemistry' between them. Businessmen like Joesley Batista of JBS met with Trump to discuss impacts on the meat sector, while Embraer representatives also assisted. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin spoke with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about the tariffs.
The Brazilian government chose a third country to avoid a potential 'ambush' in Washington, fearing Trump's unpredictability. Lula travels with about 100 businessmen to seek new markets and reduce US dependence. In Jakarta, Indonesia, his first stop, Lula stated: 'We can discuss from Gaza to Ukraine, to Russia, to Venezuela, to critical materials, to minerals, to rare earths. We can discuss any issue'.
Trump indicated he could lower tariffs 'under the right circumstances.' Lula reiterated: 'I work with optimism so that we can find a solution. There is no demand from him and no demand from me yet.' Alckmin, as the main negotiator, highlighted Brazil's low tariffs on the US – an average of 2.7%, zero on eight of the top ten exported products – and opportunities in data centers, rare earths, and renewable energy. The vice president sees 'an avenue ahead' for partnerships, citing 200 years of bilateral relations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: 'We believe that, in the long term, it is beneficial for Brazil to make the United States its preferred trade partner instead of China.' Brazil does not expect immediate results but views the meeting as a boost for negotiations. Possible discussions include a US military incursion in Venezuela, which the Brazilian government considers destabilizing for South America.
