Brazilian President: Trade Agreement with the US May Be Reached Within Days

AFP, Kuala Lumpur, 27th - Brazilian President Lula said today that Brazil and the US may reach a trade agreement within days, which could help ease the tense situation caused by punitive tariffs over several months.

Lula met with US President Trump during his attendance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit yesterday. Earlier this month, Lula had urged Trump to lift the 50% punitive tariffs imposed on Brazilian products.

Lula told reporters in Malaysia today: "I believe we will have a final solution within a few days... so that life can continue smoothly and happily."

The leaders of the two largest economies in the Americas, the US and Brazil, hold completely different positions on multilateralism, international trade, and climate change. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on many Brazilian products, as well as sanctions on several high-ranking officials, including a federal supreme court judge, to punish the Brazilian government for politically "witch-hunting" former president and ally Bolsonaro.

In September this year, Brazil's federal supreme court ruled that Bolsonaro was guilty of planning a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to Lula, and sentenced him to 27 years in prison.

Trump also told reporters yesterday that he felt "very sorry" about Bolsonaro's situation. Trump said, "I have always thought he was a straightforward person, but you know, he is going through a lot." When asked if Bolsonaro would be a topic of discussion between him and Lula, Trump replied, "It's none of your business."

Lula celebrated his 80th birthday today. He emphasized that the issue of Bolsonaro has been resolved after his meeting with Trump, calling the imprisoned political figure "a thing of the past in Brazilian politics."

The relationship between Trump and Lula began to thaw for the first time when the two met briefly during the UN General Assembly in September, followed by a phone call on October 6. Lula said today that his meeting with Trump was "unexpectedly good." He said, "He assured me that we will reach an agreement."

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847136246911184/

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