Lula Pushes for Equal Treatment as Brazil Seeks to Reset US Relations Amid Trade Tensions

February 22, 2026
Lula Pushes for Equal Treatment as Brazil Seeks to Reset US Relations Amid Trade Tensions
  • Lula urged the United States to treat all countries equally and avoid interference, signaling a readiness to reset Brazil–US relations toward normalcy.

  • During his India trip for an AI summit, Lula and India agreed to deepen cooperation on critical minerals and rare earths, signaling broader regional and strategic collaboration.

  • Lula commented in New Delhi on the US tariff move after a Supreme Court ruling, suggesting tensions over trade policy while indicating potential for rapprochement.

  • The piece notes tensions in Brazil–US relations stemming from Trump’s scrutiny of Bolsonaro’s government, but also points to a path toward reconciliation as both nations are leading democracies in the Americas.

  • There has been ongoing dialogue between Lula and Trump since their first meeting, part of a broader diplomatic push toward rapprochement.

  • Trump reacted strongly to the Supreme Court’s tariff rejection, calling judges anti-patriotic and disloyal to the Constitution and labeling the decision disappointing.

  • The broader context frames Brazil as pushing for fair trade and diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions while pursuing economic and strategic partnerships with major powers.

  • Upcoming discussions with President Trump are expected to cover trade, immigration, and academic partnerships, outlining concrete policy areas for Brazil–US collaboration.

  • Lula’s stance fits into wider efforts to reduce global turbulence and promote peace, while maintaining active diplomatic engagement.

  • Ties have begun to mend, with the US exempting some Brazilian exports from 40% tariffs and suspending sanctions on a Brazilian justice official, signaling a partial thaw ahead of anticipated talks in Washington.

  • A fragile rapprochement persists, with earlier interactions leading to tariff exemptions and lifted sanctions, setting the stage for renewed Lula–Trump dialogue.

  • Despite ongoing policy differences, Lula remains optimistic about a better bilateral relationship with the U.S. and further engagement.

Summary based on 9 sources


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