Brasilia: Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared that U.S. President Donald Trump has personally “guaranteed” the signing of a long-awaited trade deal between Brazil and the United States, hinting at a major diplomatic and economic breakthrough between the two hemispheric powers. The announcement, made following bilateral discussions on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, reflects a surprising turn in Washington Brasília relations that had been strained by recent tariff measures and political disagreements.
Lula said his meeting with Trump was “positive and straightforward,” expressing confidence that the trade pact would materialize “faster than anyone thinks.” According to the Brazilian leader, Trump assured him of Washington’s full commitment to finalizing the agreement, which both sides see as crucial for deepening cooperation in trade, energy, and technology. Lula described the encounter as a “constructive exchange,” suggesting that both leaders are intent on moving beyond past tensions toward a mutually beneficial economic framework.
The optimism, however, comes amid sharp trade frictions. Earlier this year, the United States imposed a steep 50 percent tariff on Brazilian exports, a move that followed the sentencing of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro and drew criticism from Brasília. Lula condemned the U.S. action as “incorrect and unfair,” but emphasized that Brazil would respond diplomatically rather than confrontationally. “We must talk, not retaliate,” he said, underscoring his belief that dialogue remains the only path to restoring balance in global trade.
Beyond the immediate issue of tariffs, Lula said his talks with Trump also touched upon regional stability, particularly the crisis in Venezuela. He stated that Brazil was ready to “assist the United States” in finding peaceful solutions to the Venezuelan political stalemate, signaling that Brasília aims to position itself as both a trade partner and a regional mediator. Analysts see this as part of Lula’s broader strategy to reinforce Brazil’s geopolitical relevance in Latin America and to strengthen ties with Washington without compromising Brazil’s autonomy.
Lula also reminded his U.S. counterpart of Brazil’s pivotal economic role, describing it as “the most important country in South America, surrounded by nearly all its neighbours and essential to the continent’s growth.” He highlighted Brazil’s agricultural dominance, industrial capacity, and expanding renewable energy sector as key assets that could complement U.S. trade interests. “A partnership between Brazil and the United States,” Lula said, “is not only about numbers; it is about trust, respect, and shared prosperity.”
The potential trade deal could reshape economic relations across the Americas, boosting exports, reducing tariff barriers, and promoting investment in high-value industries. Economists suggest that such an accord might strengthen food security and supply chain cooperation between the two countries, with Brazil serving as a major supplier of agricultural and raw materials, and the U.S. providing technological and financial expertise. However, both leaders face domestic challenges Trump from American industry groups wary of foreign competition, and Lula from unions and producers anxious about protecting Brazil’s local markets.
For Lula, the talks mark more than a trade negotiation they symbolize a diplomatic reset and an opportunity to reaffirm Brazil’s global standing after years of economic volatility and political upheaval. His tone, measured yet confident, conveyed a clear message: that Brazil is ready to lead with dialogue and determination. “We will build bridges, not walls,” he said, expressing hope that this renewed cooperation would pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity across the Americas.
If Trump’s “guarantee” translates into action, the coming months could see the United States and Brazil entering a new era of partnership one that transforms tariff tensions into trust, and rival interests into shared growth.