The meeting between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, scheduled for Thursday (7) at the White House, takes place after months of advances and setbacks in the bilateral relationship.
The agenda must combine economic themes, institutional disputes and security cooperation, at a time of political pressure in both countries.
A pcommercial auto tends to occupy a central position, according to sources heard by the BBC. Since 2025, the United States has increased tariffs on Brazilian products, with rates reaching 40% in some cases.
The measure was adopted in the context of commercial investigations and criticism by the American government of political and judicial conduct in Brazil. The Brazilian government’s expectation is to unlock part of these restrictions and reduce the level of uncertainty for exporters.
The theme of critical minerals should also enter the conversation. Brazil has one of the largest global reserves of rare earths and seeks to expand partnerships for the exploration and processing of these resources. The subject gained strategic weight in the face of the global dispute for essential inputs for the energy transition and the technology industry.
In addition to the economy, the relationship between the judiciary and politics has been a sore point. The Trump administration even imposed sanctions on Brazilian authorities based on the Magnitsky Law, including Federal Supreme Court minister Alexandre de Moraes, amid the trial of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Although some of these measures were reversed, the episode left marks on the relationship between the countries.
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Another axis of tension involves security and organized crime. American authorities are discussing the possibility of classifying Brazilian factions as terrorist organizations, a proposal that faces resistance from the Brazilian government. Brasília defends expanding police and intelligence cooperation, without changing the legal framework of these groups.
Recent cases have reinforced the environment of distrust. The attempt by a State Department advisor to visit Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil was interpreted as interference in internal affairs. In parallel, the arrest and subsequent release of former deputy Alexandre Ramagem in the United States raised questions about cooperation between authorities in the two countries.
Despite the friction, there were moments of rapprochement. Lula and Trump have had telephone conversations and face-to-face meetings since 2025, exchanging compliments and trying to reopen channels of dialogue.
This week’s meeting is seen as an opportunity to directly address differences and seek agreements on strategic issues.
