Cattle Ranchers from Brazil Warn that Trump's Beef Tariffs Will Affect the U.S. More Than Brazil

Last week, the United States announced that, starting August 1, a 50% tariff will be applied to all imports from Brazil, the . . .

Last week, the United States announced that starting August 1, a 50% tariff will be applied to all imports from Brazil, the world's largest beef exporter. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in January 2025 the U.S. cattle herd reached its lowest level since 1951, with just 86.7 million head. This production deficit makes the country heavily dependent on imported meat, especially from Brazil. "Brazilian meat is typically used to prepare hamburgers and meatballs, staple foods in the U.S. diet. Therefore, this 50% tariff will be more harmful to U.S. consumers than to the Brazilian population or livestock sector," stated Maurício Velloso, president of the National Intensive Livestock Association (ASSOCON). According to the data, in the first five months of 2025, the United States imported 175,063 tons of Brazilian beef, more than double the same period in 2024, representing 21% of its total meat imports. Brazil has begun to diversify its markets, with China being the ...