2 Jun (Reuters) – President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said this Tuesday that he awaits a call from the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to explain the imposition of tariffs on Brazilian products announced the day before based on issues that were already being negotiated at ministerial level between the two governments after a face-to-face meeting between the two in early May.
‘So, Trump, here’s the thing, man, you said you created chemistry between me and you… you owe me a meeting and I owe you one, because we gave our ministers 30 days to negotiate,’ said Lula at the inauguration event of a hospital at the Federal University of Catalão (GO).
‘So I’m waiting for a call from you to explain to me what happened in your absence and in my absence,’ said the Brazilian.
The Trump administration announced on Monday that it proposed a new punitive 25% tariff on several imports from Brazil, after, in its view, concluding that the country’s practices were unfair on a range of issues, from digital commerce to illegal deforestation.
Trump and Lula had met in Washington on May 7, when it was agreed that teams from both countries would discuss key elements such as tariffs on Brazilian products and the investigation opened by the Americans that included Pix, among other points.
Regarding Pix, Lula acknowledged that there is discomfort on the part of the United States.
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‘Americans’ concern is that Pix could greatly affect their so-called credit card companies that are here in Brazil. They think Pix will put an end to this. And Pix will really end. It’s free, and it’s public… just click.’
‘I told Trump: ‘Hey, man, instead of being afraid of Pix, put Pix to work in the USA, make a Pix for us”, he joked.
‘It’s much simpler.’
