Trump lifted the 40% tariffs last month on several Brazilian food items including cocoa and fruit after first imposing them in July in response to the prosecution of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, discussing trade, the economy and cooperation against organised crime, the Brazilian Presidential Palace said, according to Reuters.

In a statement, the palace said Lula thanked Trump for removing extra US tariffs on Brazilian products such as coffee and beef. Trump lifted the 40% tariffs last month on several Brazilian food items including cocoa and fruit after first imposing them in July in response to the prosecution of former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro, a Trump ally.

Lula said Brazil wanted to keep working with Washington on products still affected by tariffs. During the 40-minute call, which the palace described as "very productive," Lula also underlined the need for stronger cooperation with the United States to tackle international organised crime.

Brazil`s finance minister said last week the country would seek US help in investigating organised crime in its fuel sector, after police uncovered suspected money laundering involving Delaware-based companies.

According to the palace, Lula and Trump agreed to speak again soon. The call took place as the United States expands its operations in the region, including a major military buildup in the Caribbean and three months of strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats off Venezuela.