Lula says he will defend Brazil's Pix payment system amid US tariff dispute
Sao Paulo, Sep 6
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Saturday he would defend Brazil's Pix payment system in talks with US President Donald Trump, as Washington has cited the platform in its tariff dispute with Brazil.
Speaking at a political event in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo, Lula said he would raise the issue during a possible meeting with Trump in September on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, reports Xinhua news agency.
"I will meet Trump at the UN and tell him to use Pix and see how good it is," Lula said.
Pix was launched by Brazil's central bank in November 2020 and allows instant payments and transfers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It has become one of Brazil's main payment methods.
Lula's remarks came amid a trade dispute between Brazil and the United States, including additional tariffs of up to 25 per cent on certain Brazilian products and US criticism of Brazil's digital payment system.
Earlier in August, Brazilian President has criticised the US decision to revoke the visa of Brazil's ambassador to Washington, Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, calling the move "irresponsible and thoughtless."
Speaking in an interview with YouTube channel Meteoro Brasil, Lula said the decision was unwarranted for two countries with over two centuries of diplomatic ties, adding that Brazil will not receive new ambassadors before its general elections scheduled for October.
The US Department of State announced the visa revocation on Tuesday in retaliation for Brazil's refusal last month to issue visas to two US officials, as well as its alleged delays in approving US President Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Brazil, Daniel Perez.
In response, Lula then noted that Washington had shown little urgency regarding its diplomatic presence in Brazil, leaving its embassy without a chief representative for more than a year and a half.
— IANS
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