U.S. President Donald Trump signed on 20 November an executive order eliminating the 40% tariff applied since 30 July to 212 Brazilian-origin products, including fresh and processed beef, coffee, fruits and certain fertilizers.
According to the statement released by the White House, the decision follows technical recommendations received by the president and progress in bilateral negotiations with Brazil. In the document, Trump noted that he had “determined that it is necessary and appropriate to modify the scope of products subject to the additional ad valorem rate imposed by Executive Order 14323.”
Unlike the measure announced the previous week — which removed an additional 10% tariff for all affected countries — this resolution applies exclusively to Brazil. It also establishes retroactive exemptions from 13 November, the date of the meeting between Brazil’s foreign minister, Mauro Vieira, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The order further states that amounts already paid by Brazilian exporters must be reimbursed, indicating that “refunds shall be processed in accordance with applicable law and standard U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures.”
In the order, Trump recalled that on 6 October he held a phone call with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during which both agreed to begin negotiations to address the critical points of Executive Order 14323, a process that remains underway.
Following the announcement, the Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) welcomed the decision and said it reflects the effectiveness of technical dialogue and diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Brazilian government.
In the first ten months of the year Brazil exported 194 thousand tons of fresh beef and 35 thousand tons of processed beef to the United States. Trade flows had dropped to just over 6 thousand tons of fresh beef in August (far from the 44 thousand shipped in April), but had risen to 10,824 tons in October, after some major exporting companies began increasing their shipments to the United States to enter under the 2026 quota (which is exempt from the 26.4% tariff) and amid speculation — confirmed this Thursday 20 — that the 40% tariff could be withdrawn.
