Finance Minister Fernando Haddad (photo), said on Tuesday (29), in Brasilia, that there may be a conversation between presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Donald Trump to deal with the tariffs imposed by the United States on Brazilian products exported to that country. According to Haddad, there is no obstruction of dialogue channels between negotiators of the two nations, however, this direct contact between heads of state requires minimal protocol preparation.
“It is our role, of the ministers, precisely to oil the channels so that the conversation, when it occurs, is the most dignified and edifying possible,” said Haddad about the work being done by him; by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, who is in the United States; and the vice president and Minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, Geraldo Alckmin, who also has been dialoguing with the productive sector.
“There has to be a preparation first so that it is a respectful thing, so that the two peoples feel valued at the negotiation table, there is no sense of viralism, subordination,” he added, criticizing opposition pressures so that there is a hurry in decisions.
“[Temos que] To turn a little the subservience page and, with great humility, to put us at the table, but respecting the values of our country, ”the minister said in conversation with journalists at the Ministry of Finance.
A group of eight Brazilian senators is also in Washington, the capital of the US country, to try to open a dialogue channel with US congressmen and discuss tariff solutions.
On July 9, the president of the United States sent a letter to Lula announcing the imposition of the 50% rate on all Brazilian products from August 1 [https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/internacional/noticia/2025-07/em-carta-lula-trump-anuncia-tarifa-de-50-produtos-brasileiros].
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There are signs
For Haddad there is already “some sign of interest” and “sensitivity” of US authorities to talk. “Some entrepreneurs are making our knowledge that they are finding greater opening there, I don’t know if it will give time until the 1st,” said the minister, stating that he is not set on the date and that negotiations will continue even with the entry into force of the rates.
“They are getting clearer, now, Brazil’s views of some topics that were not easy to understand by them. The relationship has always been friendly between countries, so there is no reason for this to change, letting that the themes beyond the Brazilian government be reason for the recrudation, so tensions,” said the Minister of Finance.
The minister also said that Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has made “a monumental effort” in his conversations with US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. “Yesterday there was a longer, third and longest conversation they had,” he noted.
The focus of the Brazilian government, according to Haddad, is that they officially speak out so that it can be mapped which, in fact, is at stake and for negotiators to find a solution, considering what is important for both countries.
Contingency
Meanwhile, President Lula’s table is already on the contingency plan to help companies affected by the tariff. The document was formulated by the Ministries of the Finance; Development, Industry, Commerce and Services; of foreign relations; and by the Civil House.
Several scenarios have been presented and, according to Minister Haddad, Lula will make the decision on “the scale, amount, opportunity, convenience and date” can be placed in force. One of the scenarios includes a employment maintenance program with the same purpose of what it prevailed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I don’t know what the scenario the president will choose,” said the finance minister, without advance the measures.
“Brazil will be prepared to take care of its companies, its workers and, at the same time, to stay permanently at a negotiation table, seeking rationality, seeking mutual respect and narrowing of relationships,” added the minister.
