U.S. Açaí Prices May Rise Due to Tariffs on Brazilian Imports
Açaí bowls and smoothies, often enjoyed across various U.S. cities, could become pricier as 50% tariffs on imports from Brazil take effect starting Friday.
Nearly all the açaí pulp found in the U.S., along with that distributed in Europe and Asia, primarily comes from Brazil. This means that if a trade agreement isn’t reached between the Trump administration and Brazil, customers might notice a significant price increase at stores from New York to Los Angeles.
Ashley Ibarra, who manages a store in Midtown Manhattan for a New Jersey-based chain that boasts about 300 locations nationwide, noted, “People are already complaining a bit about prices. If it gets more expensive, it’s going to feel like more of a luxury.” Currently, a bowl of açaí in a New York Playa Bowl averages around $18, often topped with items like bananas and granola.
In comparison, Oakberry Inc., the largest açaí chain globally with 700 stores across 35 countries, sells smaller servings for $13 at its nearby Manhattan location. Despite requests for comments, both Playa Bowls and Oakberry chose to remain silent on the tariff situation.
The açaí brand promotes its offerings as energy-boosting superfoods packed with antioxidants and omega-3s, though the FDA has indicated that more study is needed to fully understand the health benefits.
One enthusiast, Milan Chic, 50, shared, “A friend introduced me to it one day, and I loved it, so I buy it from time to time.” He relished an açaí bowl with cereal and fresh fruits not long ago, saying if the prices rise significantly, he might not indulge as often.
Açaí production in Brazil has surged recently, with exports expanding from small local consumption to international markets. In fact, production jumped from around 150,000 tons a decade ago to about 2 million tons last year, according to IBGE and governmental data from the regions of Pará and Amazonas.
The U.S. is currently the largest buyer, followed by Europe and Japan. However, Nazareno Alves Da Silva, who leads the Amazon Açaí Producers Association in Pará, expressed concern about how to manage rising costs to continue exports to the U.S., stating simply, “We still don’t know how to do that. The numbers don’t match.” He pointed out that trade difficulties are leading many U.S. importers to reassess their options, while Brazilian producers are struggling to adjust prices to compensate for the tariffs.
Even those who typically don’t consume açaí might feel the effects of these tariffs. Brazil is also a significant supplier of about a third of the coffee consumed in the U.S., alongside orange juice and beef.
