On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that eliminates tariffs on Brazilian coffee, beef, and other agricultural imports to the United States. This order removes the previous 40% tariff that had been put in place in late July, during a time when Brazil was labeled a “national security threat” by the Trump administration.
At that time, Trump cited a series of persecutions against former President Jair Bolsonaro and other conservative figures in Brazil, along with restrictions imposed on American companies by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, as justifications for these tariffs.
Justice de Moraes, considered a significant judicial authority in Brazil, has faced human rights sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act due to his various actions related to persecution and censorship.
During a phone conversation, Trump indicated that the executive order was a continuation of discussions he had on October 6 with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, wherein they agreed to start addressing the issues that prompted the initial executive order in July.
According to Trump, negotiations are still active, and he’s been receiving updates and suggestions from officials tracking the situation concerning the July order.
He also mentioned that the list of products affected by the tariffs would be revised after assessing the collected information. These changes will impact Brazilian imports arriving in the United States once Secretary of State Marco Rubio assumes office on November 13.
Trump stated, “In my judgment, these amendments are necessary and appropriate to address the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14323.” An updated annex related to the original July order outlines the Brazilian imports now subject to the modified tariffs.
Brazilian President Lula expressed his support for Trump’s executive order in a video shared on social media, joined by the vice president and the finance minister. He called Trump’s decision a “step in the right direction” but emphasized the need to “go further.”
Lula’s message articulated that the removal of the 40% tariff on various Brazilian agricultural products is a “victory for dialogue, diplomacy, and common sense,” crediting discussions with Trump and collaboration among negotiating teams for this progress.
He reiterated, “This was a step in the right direction, but we need to go further,” committing to ongoing discussions with Trump that prioritize Brazilian sovereignty and the interests of workers in agriculture and industry.
