A Brazilian livestock industry insider warned on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on all Brazilian exports starting August 1 would have a greater impact on American consumers, considering that Brazilian beef is indispensable in the American market.
Mauricio Velloso, president of the Brazilian National Confined Livestock Association, stated that the current cattle population in the United States is insufficient to meet domestic beef demand, thus making Brazilian beef an indispensable part of the American market.
The United States is the second largest export market for Brazilian beef.
"Brazilian beef exported to the U.S. is typically used in making hamburgers and meatballs, which are the basis of the daily diet of the American people. A 50-percent tariff would cause greater harm to American consumers than to the people and livestock industry in Brazil," Velloso said.
As a preventive measure against U.S. tariffs, Brazil has been actively diversifying into other markets, noted Velloso.
Additionally, Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro said the country would neither yield to nor accept U.S. pressure, vowing to expand trade with Global South countries and open new export channels instead.
US tariffs on Brazilian beef to harm American consumers more
US tariffs on Brazilian beef to harm American consumers more
US tariffs on Brazilian beef to harm American consumers more
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
