The Unexpected Encounter

During the United Nations General Assembly on September 23rd, ​Presidents Donald Trump and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva engaged in a brief, cordial conversation. Trump publicly ​described the interaction as spontaneous ⁤and positive, praising Lula as a “very‌ pleasant man.” However, reports suggest the meeting was the result of behind-the-scenes​ maneuvering by Joesley Batista, a partner⁤ in J&F⁢ Investimentos, Brazil’s largest⁤ business group.

Joesley Batista’s Role as Intermediary

According to a report by​ O Tempo, joesley Batista ‍met with Donald Trump approximately three weeks prior to the UN meeting, holding discussions‌ at the White House. Batista, whose ​company JBS is a⁢ major ⁣Brazilian meat producer significantly​ impacted by US ⁢tariffs, argued that trade disputes between Brazil and the US could be resolved ⁣through direct⁣ government dialogue. The‍ meeting lasted around 30 minutes, focusing on the 50% tariff imposed ⁣on Brazilian meat imports.

A Wave of Brazilian Business Missions

The approach⁢ between Trump and Lula⁣ wasn’t ‍solely reliant on Batista’s efforts.‍ A broader initiative involving Brazilian entrepreneurs traveling to the US to lobby⁢ against the tariffs played a crucial role.​ Notably,the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) led a large delegation of over 130 businessmen and industry representatives ⁣to the US in the first week of September,aiming to reverse the ⁤tariffs. These missions created a ⁤favorable environment for ‍the presidential ​meeting.

Impact of the Tariffs and JBS

The⁤ tariffs imposed by the US⁣ significantly ‍impacted Brazilian meat exports, particularly affecting companies like JBS, a global meat processing giant. JBS, owned by J&F ​Investimentos, stands to benefit⁢ directly from any reduction or removal of these tariffs. The 50% tariff created a significant barrier to​ entry for Brazilian meat into the US market, ​impacting profitability⁤ and⁢ market share.

What’s next: Potential for Dialogue

Following the ⁣confirmation​ of the⁤ meeting between Trump and Lula, the American Chamber of Commerce for Brazil⁤ (AmCham) expressed optimism. Industry observers⁢ believe the meeting represents an⁤ opening for dialogue and a potential path towards reversing the tariffs on Brazilian exports. ‌ The coming days will ‍be critical in determining whether these initial discussions translate into concrete⁤ policy changes.

Timeline of ⁤Events