247 – Hours after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed a bilateral meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Workers' Party member stated his readiness to seek a diplomatic solution to the 50% tariff increase imposed on Brazilian products. According to CNN Brasil, Lula stated that he intends to"put all the issues on the table" during the meeting.

"I hope the meeting happens. I came with the hope that we can find a solution," the Brazilian president said before attending a ceremony at the National University of Malaysia, where he received an honorary doctorate.

Lula also denied that the US president imposed any preconditions for the meeting."He has no demands, and I have no demands yet. We'll put everything on the table and seek a solution," Lula emphasized, reinforcing that the dialogue must take place in an atmosphere of openness and cooperation.

Aboard Air Force One, Donald Trump said the United States is willing to ease tariffs “under the right conditions.”

Both presidents are expected to participate in meetings with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), using the summit as a forum to discuss economic and trade issues. This will be the first official meeting between Lula and Trump since the Republican took office as president of the United States.

American tariffs

The 50% tariffs were announced in July, arguing that Brazil was adopting"unfair trade practices" with the United States and restricting free expression. The U.S. government statement even mentioned the legal proceedings against former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted in the so-called"Coup Plan" investigation.

Despite the measure, the White House released a list of exceptions covering hundreds of products, including orange juice and Embraer aircraft, which opened the door to new negotiations.