Brazil touts 'positive' call with senior U.S. trade official

By Lisandra Paraguassu

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazilian Vice President Geraldo Alckmin on Thursday held a "positive" video call with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that focused in part on U.S. tariff policy, the vice president's office said.

Lutnick is one of U.S. President Donald Trump's top trade advisers while Alckmin also serves as the South American country's trade, industry and development minister.

Trump announced earlier this year 25% tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum, which are expected to take effect on March 12.

The South American country is one of the largest sources of U.S. steel imports, having exported 4.3 million metric tons to the U.S. last year, or about 48% of its shipments, according to Brazil's government data.

Lutnick said during the call that he would pass along to Trump a request from Alckmin to postpone the tariffs, a source from the Brazilian government told Reuters.

According to a statement from Alckmin's office, which did not mention a request on potentially postponing tariffs, the dialogue between the two governments should continue in order to reach an understanding on tariffs and other issues.

Brazilian news website G1 reported, citing sources, that Lutnick told Alckmin the U.S. could postpone the tariffs on Brazilian goods.

Further bilateral talks are planned over the next few days, Alckmin's statement added, noting that United States Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, was also on the call.

(Reporting by Lisandra Paraguassu in Brasilia; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez)

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