Government Confirms 35.9% of Brazilian Exports Hit With 50% Tariff—Here’s the List of What’s Affected and Exempt

Brazil’s Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC) has confirmed that 35.9% of the country’s exports to the United States—equal to $14.5 billion in trade for 2024—will be subject to a new 50% U.S. import tariff starting August 2025.

The American move, set by presidential executive order, marks a major shift for two of the hemisphere’s most significant trading partners.

Full List of Main Products Now Under the 50% Tariff:

Coffee: All varieties, including green, roasted, and instant coffee.

Beef and Meats: Fresh, frozen, and processed beef and other meat products.

Animal Fats and Tallow: Nearly the entire volume previously shipped to the U.S.

Ethanol: Biofuel exports, especially from sugarcane.

Tropical Fruits: Mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and other specialty fruit.

Processed Food Products: Those not covered by U.S. exemptions.

Footwear: Leather and synthetic shoes, sandals, and boots.

Furniture: Wood and metal household and office furniture, unless otherwise named as exempt.

Machinery: Industrial and mechanical equipment not specifically listed as exempt.

Other Specialty Agribusiness: Includes nuts, seeds, and some specialty food items.

Main Products Exempt From the New 50% Tariff (Remain at Lower, Earlier Rates):

Aircraft and Parts: Civil aviation, especially exports from Embraer.

Iron Ore and Mineral Raw Materials: Includes iron ore pellets and similar inputs.

Wood Pulp: Especially eucalyptus pulp—Brazil is a leading global supplier.

Orange Juice: All main export forms stay at previous U.S. rates.

Crude Oil and Fuels: Major energy exports.

Fertilizer Products: Both chemical and mineral groups relevant to agriculture in the U.S.

Copper (Refined and Scrap): Including ores, cathodes, and anodes.

Pig Iron, Metallurgical Alumina, and Silicon Metal: As categorized in official trade lists.

Certain Humanitarian and Informational Goods: As per U.S. government official exemptions.

Already Covered by Previous and Still Existing U.S. Tariffs:
(These are not newly targeted, but remain under prior U.S. laws—Section 232, etc.)

Steel and Aluminum: Including semi-finished products.

Automobiles and Auto Parts: Duty rates remain per existing schedules.

Any goods that left Brazil by August 6, 2025, and arrive in the U.S. by October 5, 2025, will be charged old, lower tariffs.