On Thursday, November 20th, US President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to adjust the punitive tariffs imposed on Brazil in July, lifting the 40% additional tariffs on Brazilian beef, coffee, cocoa, and other agricultural products. This move is seen as a significant shift in US policy following negotiations between the two countries.
The new tariff adjustments apply to Brazilian goods imported after 12:01 AM Eastern Time on November 13, 2025 or released from bonded warehouses. Companies that incurred additional costs due to the previous tariffs can apply for refunds in accordance with US Customs regulations.
According to the White House’s executive order, this action is a modification and revision of Executive Order 14323 issued on July 30. The original order declared Brazil to pose an “unusual and extraordinary threat” under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the National Emergencies Act, leading to the imposition of a 40% additional tariff on its goods.
Following a call between Trump and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on October 6, Trump agreed to initiate negotiations to address US concerns. Subsequently, based on assessments and recommendations from various departments, the US government decided to adjust the measures early, removing certain Brazilian agricultural products from the tariff list.
The annex indicates that exempted items include beef and its by-products, tomatoes, mangoes, coconuts, coffee, tea leaves, spices, cassava, pineapples, various fruit juices, cocoa products, and a large number of agricultural and forestry products, as well as some food and beverage raw materials for religious purposes, such as coconut water, açaí products, and more.
Brazil is one of the largest coffee suppliers to the US, accounting for about a third of US coffee supply and becoming an important source of processed beef for American hamburger production in recent years.
Reuters reported that due to a 40% increase in coffee prices this year due to tariffs and weather conditions, rising food costs have fueled dissatisfaction among American consumers, putting pressure on Trump’s approval ratings.
To alleviate food prices, the US also recently lifted tariffs on some agricultural products from Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Ecuador. US officials stated that the series of adjustments aim to promote “more reciprocal” foreign markets for American goods.
Lula took to the social media platform X to comment that the US tariff cancellation is a “victory of dialogue, diplomacy, and common sense,” revealing that he and Trump have engaged in “frank communication.” While acknowledging the positive progress symbolized by this move, Lula emphasized that negotiations still need to deepen further.
The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association (ABIEC) stated that the US policy adjustment demonstrates successful negotiations between the two sides and stressed that the Brazilian industry will continue to expand its supply share in the US market.