Brazil's beef exports face uncertainties amid US tariff policies: expert

Beef export of Brazil is feeling the pinch of sweeping tariffs by the United States, according to an industry insider in a recent interview with China Central Television (CCTV).

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered sweeping tariffs on a wide range of countries since taking office, and in early April, he imposed a 10-percent "minimum baseline tariff" on all imports, before unveiling higher rates on certain trading partners.

Brazil is one of the world's largest beef exporters.

According to the Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries, the country exported 2.89 million tonnes of beef in 2024.

Paulo Mustefaga, executive president of ABRAFRIGO, a Brazilian organization of slaughterhouses, meat processing and export companies, said they are taking a wait-and-see approach regarding the U.S. tariff policy development.

"I believe the global economy is currently in a period of high uncertainty. Everyone is still observing the follow-up development of U.S. tariff policies because we are unclear about how these policies will evolve, what the final outcome will be, and when this issue will be resolved," he said.

In 2024, Brazil exported 1.33 million tonnes of beef to China, making China one of Brazil's largest export destinations of beef.

Mustefaga emphasized that beef exports to China account for more than 40 percent of Brazil's total beef exports, highlighting the importance of China as the most important market for Brazil.

"We hope to continue offering high-quality products at competitive prices under favorable conditions to meet the needs of Chinese consumers and the market. Without a doubt, China is our most important market and cooperative partner. We wish to continue to be a reliable supplier and sustain the strong cooperation between China and Brazil that has lasted for many years," he said.

The U.S. dollar softened in late trading on Monday.

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, dropped 0.03 percent to 98.496 at 15:00 (1900 GMT).

In late New York trading, the euro strengthened to 1.1720 dollars from 1.1713 dollars in the previous session, and the British pound rose to 1.3534 dollars from 1.3521 dollars in the previous session.

The U.S. dollar bought 159.45 Japanese yen, higher than 159.44 Japanese yen in the previous session. The U.S. dollar was up to 0.7856 Swiss francs from 0.7855 Swiss francs, and it declined to 1.3627 Canadian dollars from 1.3673 Canadian dollars. The U.S. dollar dropped to 9.2247 Swedish Kronor from 9.2304 Swedish Kronor.