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Brazilian Products Face 50% Tariff in the U.S., But Some Escaped: See Which Items Were Protected by Trump and Why This Concerns Agriculture
In a move that reignites trade tensions with Brazil, former U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday (30) that significantly increases tariffs on Brazilian products. The new measure raises the import tax on various items exported from Brazil to 50%, but some strategic products managed to escape this charge, preserving important sectors of the Brazilian economy.
The signing took place on the same day the measure was officially announced by the White House. The tariff increase is considered one of the largest economic sanctions imposed on Brazil in recent years by an American administration. Until then, Brazilian exports were subject to a 10% tax—imposed in early April—which has now been quadrupled.
Despite the widespread impact, the order includes notable exceptions. Items such as oil, commercial aircraft, and orange juice were excluded from the tariff increase. These three products occupy prominent positions in the trade balance between the two countries, being essential for the energy, aviation, and agribusiness sectors in Brazil.
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Strategic Products Were Exempted
The exemptions granted by the U.S. government are not limited to the most symbolic products. Coal, steel, and its byproducts—which represent a significant portion of Brazilian exports—were also left out of the new tariff. Similarly, nuts and some other agricultural commodities were preserved, in an attempt to mitigate the negative effects on American consumers and businesses that rely on these imports.
However, the decisions did not cover the entire export agenda. Products such as beef, coffee, and tropical fruits, which also rank among the main items shipped to the United States, were excluded from the exception list. This means that these sectors will face a more hostile trade environment, with a direct impact on Brazilian producers.
Political Pressure and Impact on Agribusiness
The measure was seen by analysts as a political move by Trump to satisfy part of his electoral base connected to the American industry while attempting to pressure emerging countries that, according to him, unfairly benefit from global trade. Brazil, as one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural and mineral products, has become a direct target of this protectionist rhetoric.
Agribusiness entities have already expressed concern about the potential impact of the measure on export volumes. According to industry experts, the tariff increase may discourage business, reduce profit margins, and lead to the migration of contracts to less hostile markets.
On the Brazilian government’s side, there has been no official statement regarding the decision. Diplomatic sources indicate that the Itamaraty intends to open dialogue with the U.S. State Department in the coming weeks, seeking to negotiate relief or compensations within the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In the meantime, the preservation of some key products, such as oil and aircraft, is seen as a partial relief. The Brazilian aviation industry, notably Embraer, heavily relies on the U.S. market for both sales and technological partnerships. Additionally, orange juice, a traditional symbol of Brazilian agribusiness in the United States, maintains its economic and cultural relevance in the country.
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