Media: Brazil’s Lula to press Trump on organised crime fight in White House talks

Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to visit the White House on May 7, seeking to strengthen relations with US President Donald Trump, avoid new trade tariffs, and discuss cooperation on critical minerals and efforts to combat organised crime, according to sources cited by Reuters.

A Brazilian official described the visit as an attempt to ease tensions in bilateral trade relations.

“We don’t know if the visit will help,” one Brazilian official involved in arranging the meeting told Reuters. "But it’s more likely to help than doing nothing."

Last year, the Trump administration imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods, accusing Brazil’s authorities of persecuting former President Jair Bolsonaro. Some of those tariffs were later lifted, including restrictions on imports of Brazilian beef and coffee.

However, part of Brazil’s exports still face an additional 10% tariff, which is set to expire in July. Brazil also remains concerned about potential new tariffs linked to a US investigation under Section 301 on unfair trade practices.

Other disputed issues include digital trade, ethanol tariffs, and US accusations of illegal deforestation in Brazil—allegations that President Lula’s administration rejects.

One of the key topics of the talks will be the supply of rare earths and other critical minerals. Washington is interested in building alternative supply chains for high-tech industries, but sources said the two sides have not yet agreed even on a preliminary cooperation memorandum.

By Jeyhun Aghazada