Trump lifts 40% tariff on key Brazilian food, beverage imports
US suspends steep agricultural tariffs on Brazil as trade talks show initial progress.
BRAZIL – US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order removing a planned 40% tariff on a wide range of Brazilian food and beverage products, including beef and coffee.
The decision was detailed in a White House statement issued on 20 November, confirming that “certain agricultural products shall not be subject to the additional rate of duty”.
The reversal comes months after the administration’s July announcement to impose the tariff in retaliation for Brazil’s prosecution of its former President Jair Bolsonaro. The measure had been expected to significantly impact Brazil’s export sector, particularly its major agricultural commodities.
Products now exempt from the 40% duty include beef, coffee, tea, several fruits, nuts and various fruit juices. The move follows another adjustment last week, when the US removed a separate 10% reciprocal tariff on select Brazilian exports, also targeting goods such as beef and coffee.
Both changes form part of a broader effort to temporarily ease reciprocal duties on specific agricultural products during ongoing negotiations between the two countries.
In the statement, Trump said it was “necessary and appropriate” to modify the list of Brazilian products subject to the higher tariff.
He noted that the decision followed “information and recommendations” from multiple officials who argued that some agricultural imports should not face the increased rate, referencing “initial progress” in discussions with the Brazilian government.
The updated order applies to Brazilian shipments entering the US on or after 13 November. As a result, businesses importing the affected products may be eligible for refunds on duties paid while the tariff was still in effect.
The exemption offers relief for some of Brazil’s most significant exports, particularly coffee. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Brazil accounted for 37% of global coffee production in the most recent year.
The tariffs had contributed to intensified price pressures amid shrinking harvests linked to climate-related challenges.
Earlier in November, the Trump administration also announced framework agreements with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador to reduce trade barriers on selected goods, including meat.
The White House stated that the agreements are expected to support US farmers, ranchers, fishermen, manufacturers and small businesses by expanding export opportunities within these partner markets.
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