Brazil’s Lula seeks end to ‘baseless tariffs’ in call with Trump

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva urged US counterpart Donald Trump in a phone call on Friday to resolve their countries’ trade dispute, saying US tariffs were imposed on “baseless” grounds.

Washington imposed two new sets of tariffs on the Latin American giant in July, a move that has become a key campaign issue ahead of Brazil’s presidential election in October.

Lula – who is seeking a fourth and final term in office – told Trump that the tariffs “negatively affect both Brazil and the United States,” according to a statement from his office.

“To remain at the negotiating table is the best option for both countries,” he said.

Relations between Trump and the leftist Lula have blown hot and cold in recent months, but diplomatic tensions have flared as the election approaches.

Trump has backed several victorious right-wing candidates in recent Latin American elections. He is an ally of Brazil’s jailed far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro, whose son Flavio is Lula’s main rival in the election.