Joesley Batista: Lula-Trump Meeting Brokered at UN
- A seemingly spontaneous conversation between Presidents Donald Trump and luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the UN General Assembly was reportedly facilitated by Brazilian businessman Joesley Batista, who...
- During the United Nations General Assembly on September 23rd, Presidents Donald Trump and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva engaged in a brief, cordial conversation.
- 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.
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Trump-Lula Meeting at UN: A Backchannel Negotiation Over Meat Tariffs
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A seemingly spontaneous conversation between Presidents Donald Trump and luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the UN General Assembly was reportedly facilitated by Brazilian businessman Joesley Batista, who sought to negotiate the removal of tariffs on Brazilian meat exports.
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
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