Trump and Lula Agree to Fight Crime After Lifting Tariffs

U.S. President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva held a 40-minute phone call on December 2, 2025, to discuss trade, sanctions, and cooperation against international organized crime. The conversation followed months of tension after Washington imposed 40% tariffs on Brazilian food imports, such as beef, coffee, cocoa, and fruit, in July 2025 as a punitive measure regarding the prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

During the call, Lula thanked Trump for removing these agricultural levies. Additional tariffs on more than 200 Brazilian products were also lifted following meetings between Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While Lula described the progress as positive, he noted that other products remain subject to U.S. levies and require further negotiation.

The leaders also agreed to intensify joint operations to dismantle criminal networks, specifically targeting the First Capital Command (PCC) and Comando Vermelho. They focused on combating money laundering in the fuel sector involving firms based in Delaware. Despite the trade relief and security agreement, bilateral relations remain strained due to unresolved U.S. sanctions against members of Brazil's judiciary.