US President Donald Trump will host Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the White House on Thursday for talks on tariffs, other economic issues, and combatting organized crime.
The two leaders have had a strained relationship since Trump returned to office, and the visit will be closely watched for signs of a breakthrough in disputes over tariffs and other issues.
Last year, the US imposed a 40 percent tariff on Brazilian goods, in addition to a separate 10 percent tariff. Trump later lowered the rate, but the trade dispute had damaged relations between the US and South America's largest economy.
Trump also intervened in Brazilian politics last July when he wrote a letter to Lula asking that criminal charges be dropped against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
A close Trump ally, the far-right Bolsonaro was convicted last November of leading an attempted coup and sentenced to 27 years in prison. Lawyers for Bolsonaro appealed the conviction.
