Lula and Trump agree to 30-day tariff resolution timeline after White House meeting
Primary region South America
Tags Trade · Diplomacy · Economy
Regions South America · US
Brazilian President Lula and US President Trump met at the White House on May 7 for over three hours, agreeing to establish a bilateral working group to resolve tariff disputes within 30 days. Both leaders described the meeting as productive. Brazil seeks closure of the US Section 301 investigation into its trade practices. Relations were strained after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods in 2025 over the Bolsonaro trial; most were later rolled back, but a 10% levy remains, expiring in July. Lula told reporters he was 'very satisfied,' while Trump called Lula 'a very dynamic president.' A scheduled joint press appearance was canceled. Brazil's lower house had approved a critical minerals regulatory framework the day before the meeting.
Strategic interpretation
The 30-day working group creates a concrete near-term deadline for resolution, but the canceled joint press appearance suggests underlying friction remains. Lula's simultaneous passage of the critical minerals bill signals Brazil's intent to leverage its rare earth reserves as a bargaining chip in great-power competition over critical mineral supply chains.