WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — U.S. beef buyers will see lower import costs after President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing the extra 40 percent tariff he previously imposed on Brazilian agricultural products earlier this year. The change takes effect retroactively to November 13. It reflects early progress in trade discussions between the White House and Brazilian President Lula, ending months of elevated duties that added to already tight protein supplies.
The order restores lower tariff rates on key products, including fresh and frozen beef, coffee, fruit, fertilizer, and multiple categories of beef offal. These items faced one of the highest penalty rates under Trump’s July trade action, which initially imposed additional duties over concerns tied to Brazil’s domestic political actions. Importers will now receive refunds where applicable, and the administration has posted a revised tariff annex.
For the beef sector, the rollback is significant. Brazil is the world’s largest beef exporter and a major supplier of lean manufacturing beef used in U.S. processing. Regionally, Australia had been filling part of the gap with low-tariff access and strong export volumes, supported by robust U.S. demand for lean high-protein meat. The tariff revision is expected to rebalance competitiveness among major suppliers.
Looking ahead, the administration says negotiations with Brazil will continue, and further tariff adjustments remain possible depending on diplomatic progress and market conditions.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Removing the 40% duty sharply lowers U.S. beef import costs and restores Brazil’s competitiveness during a period of tight domestic supply.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
January 28, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
January 27, 2026 02:39 PM
·
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
·
Meat stocks rose seasonally but remain below last year overall, while tighter butter inventories could support dairy prices, and belly stocks warrant close watch for pork markets.
January 26, 2026 03:00 PM
·
Rising import pressure and tougher export competition are likely to persist into 2026, supporting domestic supplies while capping export growth.
January 26, 2026 09:56 AM
·
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council published a joint press release regarding the advancement of legislation to delist the Mexican Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act.
January 23, 2026 05:05 PM
Placements and marketings beat expectations, but declining on-feed totals and feeder constraints keep the supply story supportive for cattle prices into 2026. Dr. Derrell Peel, with Oklahoma State University, joined us to break down cattle-on-feed numbers and provide his broader market outlook.
January 23, 2026 04:40 PM
·
USDA Rural Development Director for Kentucky, Travis Burton, joined us to discuss the Princeton facility (formerly Porter Road Meats), now backed by the USDA, and its role in expanding domestic meat processing capacity.
January 23, 2026 03:39 PM
·
Americans for Prosperity Arkansas Director Ryan Norris talks energy infrastructure, regulatory reform, and the role of critical minerals in supporting rural America.
January 23, 2026 01:54 PM
·
