Not even Trump convinces the market: U.S. companies state that Brazil has no substitute, pressure Washington against the 25% tariff, and warn that the measure could raise prices, cause layoffs, delay projects, and harm sectors that depend on stones, wood, seeds, and other Brazilian products.

Written by Caio Aviz

Published on 20/06/2026 at 16:25

Updated on 20/06/2026 at 16:26

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American companies pressure the USTR for exemptions for stones, wood, seeds, and other Brazilian products considered essential to the United States supply chains

American companies have started to pressure Donald Trump’s government against the proposal of an additional 25% tariff on Brazilian products.

The companies claim that stones, wood, seeds, and components manufactured in Brazil have no equivalent substitutes in quality, quantity, and price.

At least 11 companies and sectoral entities have sent statements to the United States Trade Representative’s Office, the USTR. Out of this total, at least nine are American.

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Company states that Brazilian stones cannot be substituted

Among the mobilized companies is GeoCentral, a wholesaler of stones, crystals, and fossils based in Mason, Ohio.

Controlled since 2008 by the family holding CM Paula, the company requested the USTR to remove Brazilian stones from the tariff list.

Currently, more than 25% of GeoCentral’s portfolio is imported from Brazil, mainly from Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul.

The company buys amethysts, agates, quartz, and other precious or semi-precious stones. Subsequently, the materials are sold as crystals, gifts, and decorative items.

According to George White, CEO of CM Paula, the choice for Brazil is not just a commercial preference.

“We do not buy from Brazil simply because we want to. We buy because the country offers the best combination of quality and cost available in the world,” he told g1.

Furthermore, White highlighted that Brazilian infrastructure allows for extracting, cutting, polishing, and preparing stones on a large scale.

According to the company, approximately 120 products would be affected by the 25% tariff. However, similar suppliers have not yet been found in other countries.

Previous tariffs caused cuts and layoffs

GeoCentral stated that previously applied tariffs have already forced the company to cut expenses, reduce marketing investments, and lay off employees.

Additionally, wholesale prices were raised to compensate for some of the additional costs.

The company filed 117 refund requests related to imports from Brazil and China. According to White, about 10% of the amounts have already been recovered.

Even with a new surcharge, the company intends to continue importing Brazilian products.

“We will continue importing from Brazil. The only difference is that we will have to bear higher costs because of the tariffs,” stated the executive.

Brazilian woods are also considered unique

Flooring sector companies also requested exceptions for Brazilian products, especially jatobá and cumaru.

The Fantastic Floor argued that these species are native to South America and are not commercially available in the United States.

Similarly, Artivo Surfaces and Strong Flooring Solutions stated that American woods do not replicate the appearance and quality of Brazilian products.

Meanwhile, Wood Timber Import warned that local manufacturers do not meet the real estate sector’s demand in sufficient volume and quality.

In turn, distributor JKG Inc. highlighted that Brazilian granites, marbles, and quartz have unique geological characteristics.

According to the company, the tariff would raise construction costs and consequently increase the prices paid by American consumers.

Housing, education, and agriculture enter the debate

The Legacy Roots Housing Initiative stated that the surcharge would create obstacles for small developers and could delay housing projects.

Meanwhile, Lauria Dental Model requested an exemption for dental models used by universities and professional courses.

The company argued that the products are intended for teaching and do not compete with medical equipment manufactured in the United States.

Additionally, the American Seed Trade Association requested that seeds intended for planting also be excluded from the measure.

According to the entity, the tariff would reduce American agricultural competitiveness and affect international chains essential to innovation.

Public hearing will take place in July

The USTR opened the consultation after concluding an investigation into Brazilian practices considered harmful to American trade.

The report cited topics such as PIX, piracy, illegal deforestation, and enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

Written submissions may be sent until July 1, 2026. Subsequently, a public hearing will be held on July 6.

The expectation presented in the process is that a decision will be made by July 15, when the new tariff may begin to be applied.

The Itamaraty informed that it acts through technical contestation and diplomatic negotiation with Washington.

Meanwhile, Amcham Brazil advocated for a negotiated solution and highlighted the economic complementarity between Brazil and the United States.

For the mobilized companies, the tariff will not increase American production, as Brazilian products do not have equivalent alternatives in the local market.

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Not even Trump convinces the market: U.S. companies state that Brazil has no substitute, pressure Washington against the 25% tariff, and warn that the measure could raise prices, cause layoffs, delay projects, and harm sectors that depend on stones, wood, seeds, and other Brazilian products.

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American companies pressure the USTR for exemptions for stones, wood, seeds, and other Brazilian products considered essential to the United States supply chains

Company states that Brazilian stones cannot be substituted

A U.S. document states that Pix has become a “national champion” in Brazil and that American rivals are partly funding the strength of the free system.

Previous tariffs caused cuts and layoffs

Brazilian woods are also considered unique

Housing, education, and agriculture enter the debate

Public hearing will take place in July

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He transformed an abandoned plastic water tank into an underground house in the “hobbit hole” style, using only repurposed pallet wood, without heavy machinery or expensive labor.

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