Agricultural sector reacts to new US tariffs

The recent decision by the United States government to impose additional tariffs on Brazil and several other countries has raised alarm bells in the national agricultural sector. The Brazilian Agribusiness Association (ABAG) expressed concern about the measures announced by President Donald Trump's administration, calling them incompatible with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and harmful to global trade.

The new tariffs – with a minimum rate of 10% – will apply to Brazilian products exported to the US, and may reach even higher levels, depending on the sector. The measure is expected to generate knock-on effects, such as increased inflation and economic slowdown, both in the US market and in other countries.

ABAG highlights that the impact is even more serious when it affects agribusiness, a sector that is essential for global food security. The entity reinforces that efficient supply at fair prices depends on globalized production chains, fluid trade and the ability to adapt to changing demands around the world.

“Brazilian agribusiness is one of the pillars of food security on the planet. The imposition of unilateral tariffs compromises this function and threatens market stability,” the association assesses.

Brazil's reaction must be firm 

ABAG advocates that the Brazilian government respond strategically, avoiding hasty reactions, but acting firmly in defense of the country's interests. In this context, the entity supports the advancement of Bill 2.088/2023, which is being processed in the National Congress and provides legal mechanisms for commercial responses to practices considered abusive by foreign governments.

Furthermore, the association reinforces that market diversification and the expansion of export routes must be at the center of the Brazilian foreign trade agenda. “It is necessary to transform the challenge into an opportunity, repositioning Brazil as a resilient, innovative and competitive global supplier,” states the entity.

Despite the challenging scenario, Abag reaffirms that agribusiness will continue to fulfill its strategic role for the country and the world. Based on technology, sustainability and quality, the sector offers much more than food: it generates jobs, drives the economy, promotes innovation and strengthens Brazil's image abroad.