Brazilian cattle ranchers warn Trump’s beef tariffs will hit US harder than Brazil

Last week, the United States announced that it would impose a 50% tariff on all imports from Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, starting August 1. The United States announced last week that it would impose a 50% tariff on all beef imports from Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, starting August 1. The U.S. cattle herd reached its lowest level since 1951 in January 2025, at just 86.7 million head, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That shortfall leaves the country heavily dependent on beef imports, especially from Brazil.

“Brazilian beef is often used to make hamburgers and meatballs, staples in the American diet. So this 50% tariff would hurt American consumers more than it would hurt the Brazilian population or the livestock sector,” said Mauricio Velloso, president of the National Association of Intensive Livestock Farming (ASSOCON).

According to the data, the United States imported 175,063 tons of Brazilian beef in the first five months of 2025, more than double the amount imported in the same period of 2024, accounting for 21% of total beef imports. Brazil has begun to diversify its markets, with China becoming the largest consumer of Brazilian beef.

“The Chinese market is extremely important. It currently accounts for 52% of our meat exports, and despite being the largest buyer, it continues to break import records,” the ASSOCON president said.

According to the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the country exports beef to more than 150 countries. With the U.S. tariffs, other regions of the world, such as Asia and the Middle East, could gain popularity.

On July 15, Brazilian authorities sent a letter to the United States expressing an official protest and asking for the opening of a channel for bilateral dialogue.

Tags: Brazil, Beef cattle, USA