Lula and Trump Discuss Removal of US Tariffs

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and President Donald Trump held a phone call on Friday to discuss the removal of 25% US tariffs on Brazilian goods. Lula described US allegations of unfair trading practices as "unfounded" and urged a resumption of negotiations to stabilize relations ahead of Brazil's October election.

Trump proposed an immediate meeting between government officials to resolve the trade dispute. The diplomatic tension stems from a May decision by the United States to designate two Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations, which led to subsequent visa disputes involving the Brazilian ambassador and US State Department officials.

During the call, Lula expressed a desire to cooperate with the US to combat organized crime. He asserted that Brazil possesses the necessary tools to confront these criminal groups without the need for special US designations.