Trump, Lula could meet in Malaysia amid tariff tensions

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
22 Oct 2025 20:17

The US and Brazilian presidents could meet in Malaysia as trade tensions rise over US tariffs and Bolsonaro’s coup conviction deepens diplomatic complexities.

Listen

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva talks during a press conference at a World Food Forum meeting at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization headquarters in Rome, Monday, October 13, 2025. (AP)

US President Donald Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva may hold a meeting in Malaysia in the coming days, according to Brazilian diplomatic sources speaking to Reuters on Wednesday.

The potential meeting follows a phone conversation between the two leaders last month, described as friendly, during which they reportedly discussed strengthening economic and trade relations.

Brazilian newspaper O Globo reported late Tuesday that the meeting was set to take place Sunday in Malaysia, though the exact time remained undecided.

However, Brazilian officials told Reuters they are approaching the matter with caution, noting that no official confirmation has been received from the White House.

A US official confirmed earlier that “discussions about facilitating such a meeting” were underway but stopped short of confirming any formal plans.

Tariff hike on Brazilian goods fuels economic strain

Tensions between the two countries have intensified since Trump raised tariffs on most Brazilian imports in early August, increasing them from 10% to 50%. The decision drew criticism in Brasília and was viewed as a significant setback for US-Brazil trade relations.

Trump attributed the hike to what he described as a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, suggesting the trade move was partly political.

The backdrop of the potential meeting includes heightened political tension following Bolsonaro’s conviction. In September, Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced Bolsonaro to over 27 years in prison for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula.

The conviction has deepened domestic political divides in Brazil and may influence Lula’s positioning in international talks. While the Malaysian meeting, if it takes place, would focus on economic issues, the political context surrounding Bolsonaro is likely to remain in the background.