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
Tight cattle supplies favor poultry and pork while keeping beef margins under pressure.
February 12, 2026 06:00 AM
·
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
February 11, 2026 02:41 PM
·
Ag industry leaders and lawmakers are urging continued support for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), citing strong export growth, supply chain integration, and economic benefits for U.S. farmers ahead of the pact’s July review.
February 11, 2026 12:17 PM
·
Strong corn exports offer support, while soybeans and wheat remain weighed down by ample global supplies, according to the USDA’s latest WASDE report for February.
February 10, 2026 04:25 PM
·
Higher livestock prices reflect resilient demand, even as disease and herd shifts reshape 2026 supply expectations.
February 10, 2026 04:11 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Sean Haney outlines the Trump Administration’s current trade priorities and what meaningful market expansion looks like for farmers.
February 10, 2026 03:08 PM
·
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
February 10, 2026 01:11 PM
·
RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey was in Mission, Texas, where state and federal officials addressed growers and producers at a round table event hosted at a citrus grower’s facility. He shows us how welcome news was all around.
February 10, 2026 12:05 PM
·
Rebuilding domestic textiles depends on automation and vertical integration, not tariffs or legacy manufacturing models.
February 09, 2026 12:05 PM
·
