Trump-Lula Oval Office meeting: lingering strain, careful effort to keep trade alive
Donald Trump met Brazilian President Lula da Silva alone in the Oval Office. BBC sources said disagreements over tariffs and Amazon policy persisted, but that both sides took care to avoid an open break.
BBC Latin America reported that Trump and Lula met for about an hour without aides or press in the Oval Office. Both later used the word "constructive" in their statements, suggesting an effort to manage rather than escalate differences.
Brazilian officials said Trump raised the impact of US steel tariffs on Brazilian exporters and that Lula asked for an exemption. The US side highlighted concerns about rising fires in the Amazon and Chinese investment in Brazilian infrastructure.
Diplomats said both governments are trying to protect existing trade flows in ethanol, coffee and soybeans. Lula is expected to outline next steps once back in Brasilia, while the White House said the tariff file would be reviewed again over the summer.
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