Brazil’s Lula to meet Trump in Washington for talks on tariffs

Brazil’s president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on May 7 for talks expected to focus on tariffs and cooperation in combating organized crime, Brazilian officials said.

Finance Minister Dario Durigan said preparations are underway for the meeting, expressing confidence about the outcome, Reuters reports. 

"We are preparing to engage with Trump in a constructive manner," Durigan told state broadcaster EBC on May 6. "I'm very optimistic about this conversation."

Trade tensions have been a key issue in bilateral relations. Trump imposed steep tariffs on U.S. imports of Brazilian goods last year, though most of them were later revoked.

In 2025, the United States launched a broad probe into several Brazilian policies, including the widely used instant payment system Pix, access to the ethanol market, and concerns over illegal deforestation.

Durigan said Brazil is ready to respond to any concerns raised by Washington, particularly regarding Pix and environmental issues.

"We need to push back against any undue lobbying that may exist regarding Pix," the minister said.

By Sabina Mammadli