HANOI – Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced on Saturday that Vietnam is considering the purchase of up to 50 planes from Brazilian planemaker Embraer. Additionally, another Brazilian company may invest US$100 million in a meat-processing plant in Vietnam. These developments come as Lula prepares to conclude his state visit to Hanoi, where he met with President Luong Cuong.
Sources previously indicated that Brazilian meatpacker JBS was exploring the possibility of building its first Asian plant in Vietnam. However, the company has not yet commented on Lula’s announcement, leaving it unclear if the US$100 million investment aligns with its plans.
A Brazilian official revealed last week that Embraer was in talks to sell 10 E190 narrow-body jets to Vietnam Airlines. On Friday, Lula noted that Vietnam Airlines was “positively assessing Embraer’s offer” for regional jets, though Embraer has yet to officially comment on the potential deal.
Meanwhile, global tariff tensions continue to escalate. In Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a “reasoned” approach to the ongoing tariff war between the EU and the US. US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs, including a 25% levy on auto imports starting next week and a 200% tariff on champagne, wine, and other alcoholic beverages from the EU. These measures have raised concerns about transatlantic unity and Europe’s economic stability.
Meloni emphasized the importance of maintaining transatlantic unity despite the differences over tariffs. “Of course, there are differences on the table on tariffs, but precisely for this reason, I also think that we should not act on impulse but in a reasoned way,” she stated.
Emanuele Orsini, head of Italian business lobby Confindustria, warned that a trade war could be a significant issue for Italy, with over 10% of its exports going to the US, primarily machinery and related components. He expressed hope that the EU could negotiate a solution.
Meloni has consistently advocated for strengthening Europe’s defense amid concerns over Washington’s shifting focus. While backing the idea in principle, she has ruled out deploying troops for a potential peace settlement in Ukraine. Her stance has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, with Elly Schlein of the Democratic Party accusing her government of acting as a “Trojan horse” for the Trump administration within the EU.
As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, Brazil, Vietnam, and European nations are navigating complex geopolitical and economic landscapes to secure favorable outcomes.