(MENAFN) Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his American counterpart Donald Trump engaged in a 40-minute phone conversation on Tuesday, which the Brazilian administration described as "very productive."

The discussion centered largely on commerce, economic issues, and efforts to combat organized crime.

Lula commended the United States' recent action to lift an extra 40% tariff previously applied to certain Brazilian agricultural exports, labeling the decision as "very positive."

The goods exempted from these tariffs, removed in late November, included some of Brazil’s key exports, such as beef, coffee, and various fruits.

During the call, Lula highlighted the importance of continuing negotiations concerning other products that remain subject to tariffs, emphasizing Brazil’s eagerness to advance quickly. He had earlier referred to the partial tariff removal as a "victory for dialogue, diplomacy and common sense."

He also underlined the urgency of enhancing collaboration with the United States to tackle international organized crime.

In response, Trump reportedly expressed his readiness to cooperate with Brazil and assured full support for joint efforts targeting these criminal networks.

The two leaders agreed to speak again soon to review progress on these initiatives.

The phone discussion represents a notable de-escalation of tensions, following a period in which the two countries shifted from a recent trade crisis to direct dialogue.

The additional tariffs had originally been imposed by Trump in an unusual move, citing both what he considered unfair trade practices and the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro, a political ally of Trump, was recently sentenced to over 27 years in prison for attempting a coup after losing the 2022 election to Lula.

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