By Brasil 247 - Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva described his recent phone conversation with US President Donald Trump as "extraordinarily good." 

In an interview with Grupo Mirante during an official visit to Maranhão, Lula said the discussion touched on key bilateral issues — particularly trade — and took place "in a friendly and frank tone." "I showed him that the United States runs a surplus in trade with Brazil. In 2024, for example, Brazil recorded a deficit of more than $28 billion in goods and services. That's why I told him the best way to begin was by talking about eliminating tariffs," Lula said.

According to Lula, he urged Trump to review punitive measures and surcharges imposed on Brazilian products and officials, while also inviting the US president to visit Brazil personally. "I told him I don't know what they've told him about Brazil, but he needs to know the truth. We need to talk face to face," Lula added.

Planalto confirms 30-minute call and next diplomatic steps

The Palácio do Planalto, Brazil's presidential office, later released an official statement confirming the 30-minute phone call between the two leaders on Monday morning. The communiqué described the tone of the conversation as cordial and said both presidents recalled "the good chemistry" they shared during their meeting in New York at the United Nations General Assembly.

The statement noted that Brazil is one of only three G20 nations with which the United States maintains a trade surplus. Lula asked for the removal of a 40 percent surcharge on Brazilian goods and other restrictive measures targeting Brazilian officials.

President Trump, according to the note, appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to continue negotiations with Brazil's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira, and Finance Minister Fernando Haddad. Both leaders agreed to meet in person soon. Lula suggested a possible encounter at the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, reiterated his invitation for Trump to attend COP30 in Belém, and expressed willingness to visit the United States.

The two presidents also exchanged personal phone numbers to establish a direct line of communication. On the Brazilian side, the conversation was monitored by Vice President Alckmin, Ministers Mauro Vieira, Fernando Haddad, Sidônio Palmeira, and senior foreign policy adviser Celso Amorim.

(Reported by Brasil 247 on October 6, 2025)