Trump says he’s willing to reduce tariffs on Brazil in right circumstances
US President Donald Trump opened the door to easing trade barriers with Brazil. Trump says he’s willing to reduce tariffs on Brazil in right circumstances. He made the comment on October 25, 2025. It came during a chat with reporters on Air Force One. Trump was flying to Malaysia for a regional summit.
The tariffs started in early August. Trump raised them to 50% on most Brazilian imports. He did this from the prior 10% level. The move aimed to protest what he called a “witch hunt” against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Trump sees the legal actions as unfair. He also targets a Brazilian Supreme Court justice over online censorship claims.
Not all goods face the full hit. Hundreds of items got exemptions. These include aircraft, energy products, and orange juice. Fresh orange juice is a top US import from Brazil. About 45% of Brazilian exports to the US avoid the higher rates. Steel was already under tariffs from earlier this year. The exemptions soften the blow on Brazil’s economy. Still, billions in trade face higher costs. This hurts businesses in both nations if unchanged.
Brazil’s current leader, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, stays hopeful. He spoke in Kuala Lumpur recently. Lula said a deal with Trump is possible. “It all depends on the conversation,” he told reporters. Lula works with optimism for a solution. He hints at talks but warns of retaliation tools if needed. Brazil seeks to negotiate without yielding on internal matters.
Trump expects a meeting with Lula soon. It could happen during his Asia trip. The two leaders had a “friendly” video call earlier this month. They swapped phone numbers after months of tension. Lula urged Trump to drop the tariffs and sanctions on Brazilian officials. Trump called the exchange “very good.” He posted on Truth Social that their countries will thrive together. They discussed economy and trade mainly. More talks are planned, possibly in Brazil or the US. Trump also got an invite to Cop30 in Belém next month.
This comes as Trump pushes his trade agenda. He wants fair deals with key partners. Brazil has cut some reliance on the US market. It builds ties with BRICS nations. Lula told media he won’t dwell on losses. If the US skips Brazilian goods, others will buy them. Experts watch closely. One analyst says it’s early to end the rift. Both sides show willingness to talk.
Trump says he’s willing to reduce tariffs on Brazil in right circumstances like these. It signals potential flexibility. Ongoing negotiations could reshape US-Brazil trade. Billions hang in the balance. Leaders aim to restore ties between the West’s top democracies. A breakthrough might ease frictions fast. The world eyes their next steps.
