Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday for talks expected to focus on trade, security, and critical minerals as Lula seeks to reset their rocky relationship.

The meeting brought together two of the world’s most prominent populist figures despite their sharp ideological differences. Trump hailed the talks with his “very dynamic” Brazilian counterpart on Truth Social, stating they discussed trade and tariffs, and that additional meetings would be scheduled.

Both leaders have built loyal political followings by positioning themselves against established elites, though they differ markedly on economic policy and international alliances. Last year, Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian products, among the highest on US imports, accusing the country of a witch-hunt against former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Trump later withdrew most of the levies, including on Brazilian beef and coffee, partly to calm rising US grocery prices. In February, the US Supreme Court struck down the global tariffs imposed under a national emergencies law, eliminating many remaining levies. Brazilian products still face an extra 10% tariff expiring in July.

Tensions remain over digital trade, as Brazil has blocked the US-backed renewal of a WTO e-commerce tariff moratorium, and over high Brazilian tariffs on some goods. The Office of the US Trade Representative also alleged that nearly half of Brazil’s timber exports come from illegal sources, which the Lula administration denies.

The trip comes amid a difficult domestic scenario for Lula, who last week suffered two blows from Congress: the lower house overrode his veto on a law reducing Bolsonaro’s prison time, and the Senate rejected his Supreme Court nomination. The 80-year-old leader will seek a fourth term in October elections, with polls showing him neck and neck with Bolsonaro’s senator son.

Source: www.aljazeera.com