"Brazil and U.S. Pursue Trade Pact Amid Global Protectionist Shift"

Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed confidence Monday that a trade deal with the United States is imminent, citing assurances from President Donald Trump during their meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. Lula described the talks as "very good" and claimed Trump "guaranteed" a resolution, though the U.S. leader stopped short of committing to specific terms, according to a US News report. Trump, en route to Japan, echoed optimism, stating, "We'll see what happens. They'd like to do a deal," as reported by Al Jazeera.

The Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods in July, citing economic emergency concerns linked to Brazil's legal proceedings against Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally. Lula argued the tariffs were based on "mistaken information" and presented a written document outlining Brazil's case to Trump during their meeting, according to Yahoo Finance Canada. While Trump did not detail conditions for lifting the tariffs, Lula emphasized that the U.S. has a $410 billion trade surplus with Brazil over the past 15 years, highlighting Brazil's strategic role as South America's largest economy, the Economic Times reported.

The meeting marked a thaw in relations strained by months of disputes. Lula also urged Trump to leverage Brazil's influence in regional diplomacy, including potential support for Venezuela. "Brazil can help in the relationship with Venezuela," he said, underscoring the nation's geopolitical significance, according to TRT World. Trump, meanwhile, praised the possibility of "pretty good deals for both countries" and hinted at swift negotiations, the Business Standard reported.

Beyond bilateral talks, Lula's visit to Malaysia included resuming chicken exports suspended since May due to a bird flu scare, a move celebrated as a boost for Brazilian agribusiness, the Click Petróleo e Gás site noted. The ASEAN summit also saw broader regional trade discussions, with leaders seeking to mitigate U.S. tariff impacts through multilateral partnerships, according to US News.

As both leaders await final negotiations, the outcome could reshape trade dynamics in a global landscape marked by rising protectionism. For now, Lula remains bullish: "I am very confident that in a few days we will reach a solution," he said in remarks first reported by US News.