Lula says Alckmin calls every day to negotiate with the US, but 'nobody wants to talk to him'

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) said this Friday (25) that Vice President Geraldo Alckmin ( PSB ) tries daily to negotiate with the United States , but is unsuccessful. "Every day he calls someone and no one wants to talk to him," he said.

According to Lula, Alckmin, who is also the Minister of Development, Industry and Commerce, is his main negotiator in negotiations with the American government. This Thursday (24), the minister said he spoke with the US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, last Saturday (19), when he reiterated the Brazilian government's willingness to negotiate to avoid the 50% surcharge on Brazilian products.

"Brazil never left the negotiating table. We didn't create this problem, but we want to resolve it. We are committed to resolving it," he said, without demonstrating that there had been any concrete progress in negotiations with the Americans.

During a speech in Osasco, São Paulo, Lula stated that Brazil is ready to talk with the US about the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump . "Trump, the day you want to talk, Brazil will be ready and prepared," he declared. The president also said that Americans have been misinformed about the country.

Lula characterized Alckmin as a calm and experienced negotiator, praising his political performance. "This guy is an excellent negotiator; he doesn't raise his voice or send letters; he just wants to talk," he stated. The Workers' Party member stated that ten meetings have already been held with American representatives.

"But we need to talk. And here's my number one conversationalist. And no one can say he doesn't want to talk. Every day he calls someone and no one wants to talk to him," the president added.

Lula also demanded reciprocity from the United States in its treatment of Brazil. "I want Trump to treat us with the same delicacy and respect with which he treats the American people," he said. He reiterated that his administration is not in a confrontational position, but open to dialogue.

"We want to demonstrate how misinformed you were by the people who provided you with distorted data, so you can learn the truth about Brazil. When that happens, you will say: 'Lula, I'm not going to tax Brazil anymore. Let's keep everything as it is.' That's it. But dialogue is necessary. And here is my main articulator."