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Lula engages in US trade talks and announces end to import tax
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is engaging in high-level diplomacy to address trade tensions and domestic economic policies. Following a telephone conversation with Donald Trump, which Lula described as 'civilized and respectful', Brazil and the United States are set to resume technical negotiations regarding U.S. tariffs on Brazilian products that could reach 37.5%. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer has already contacted Brazil's Minister of Development, Márcio Elias Rosa, to arrange a videoconference.
Domestically, Lula announced plans to officially end the 'taxa das blusinhas'—a 20% federal import tax on international purchases up to $50—following a meeting with Senate President Davi Alcolumbre. The move requires Congressional approval of a provisional measure by September 8 to prevent the tax from being reinstated.
In the mining sector, the American company USA Rare Earth has finalized a $1.5 billion plan to acquire Serra Verde, Brazil's only operating rare earth miner. The deal includes $750 million in financing from the U.S. Department of Defense, aimed at securing a reliable supply chain for critical minerals used in defense and green energy technologies.
Entities
Brazil · CNI · Davi Alcolumbre · Donald Trump · Jamieson Greer · Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Márcio Elias Rosa · Serra Verde · USA Rare Earth
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer contacted Brazil's Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services to schedule a meeting. www.ocafezinho.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Lula claims the US tariffs on Brazilian products are based on falsehoods. radiomhumahuaca.com.ar · www.jornale.com.br
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lula and Trump agreed that continuing negotiations is the best option for both countries. ensegundos.com.pa
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lula rejected the US designation of Brazilian criminal groups as terrorist organizations. ensegundos.com.pa
- [● 3 SOURCES] Trump expressed agreement on the need to preserve strong commercial ties between the US and Brazil. ensegundos.com.pa · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lula stated that any person, including his son, should be investigated if irregularities are suspected. ultimosegundo.ig.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lula demanded greater agility from Banco do Brasil and Caixa in releasing credit for taxi and app drivers. www.osul.com.br
- [● 10 SOURCES] Lula announced he will end the 20% federal tax on international purchases of up to 50 dollars. www.dgabc.com.br · dev.tnonline.com.br · tribunadepetropolis.com.br · sbtnews.sbt.com.br · www.cnnbrasil.com.br · +5 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Lula suggested that Donald Trump is more open to political dialogue than members of his administration's second tier. noticiabrasil.net.br · www.infomoney.com.br · thmais.com.br · www.em.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lula and Trump are expected to meet in New York during the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2026.
- [● 5 SOURCES] U.S. tariffs on certain Brazilian products could reach a cumulative total of 37.5%, consisting of 25% and 12.5% rates. www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · sna.agr.br · grnews.com.br · noticiabrasil.net.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Brazilian administration sought direct communication with Trump to mitigate the influence of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on bilateral relations.