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
America’s love for burgers depends on open markets. Without lean beef imports, prices would skyrocket, crushing demand and destabilizing the beef industry.
November 01, 2025 09:01 AM
·
High milk production and soft retail demand are squeezing prices and margins — making careful feed and risk management essential through year-end.
November 01, 2025 06:54 AM
·
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
October 31, 2025 01:17 PM
·
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.
October 31, 2025 12:50 PM
·
Rabobank’s outlook signals a tightening margin environment, emphasizing the need for cost control, trade stability, and clearer policy signals heading into 2026.
October 31, 2025 11:44 AM
·
Farm Bureau Economist Faith Parum discusses key outcomes from the U.S.-China trade agreement and the benefits of expanding trade across Southeast Asia.
October 30, 2025 03:25 PM
·
“It does not extinguish right away here — in any sort of sense — the real profitability concerns and people’s ability to pay bills and get to the other side of this in the very short term. This is where the skepticism builds.”
October 30, 2025 02:20 PM
·
RFD-TV tax expert Roger McEowen discusses the renewed tax provision and how cattle producers can take advantage of it to recover investments in heifer retention and herd expansion more quickly.
October 30, 2025 01:23 PM
·
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
