The July 15 decision by the United States to impose a minimum additional tariff of 25 percent on thousands of Brazilian products continues to generate reactions in the fruit sector.
The Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Derivatives (Abrafrutas, for its initials in Portuguese) warned that, in the case of table grapes, the measure will raise the total tariff to 35 percent, reducing the fruit's competitiveness in the US market.
According to the industry body, table grapes are one of the main fruit products that Brazil exports to the US. In 2025, the country sent around 14,000 metric tons, valued at approximately $ 41.5 million.
The new 35 percent tariff also affects Brazilian melons and watermelons. Fortunately, Abrafrutas indicated that the impact on these fruits would be less severe due to the profile and volume of their exports.
Abrafrutas reported that it is already working with producers and exporters to guide the sector on necessary procedures and assess initiatives to mitigate the tariff’s effects. These include diversifying destination markets and implementing new commercial strategies to minimize losses for producers.
The industry body recalled that the industry has faced similar challenges in the past. As an example, it cited tariff measures applied last year that especially affected Brazilian mango exports to the United States. Back then, the sector reacted quickly by reorganizing its operations, expanding its presence in alternative markets, and adopting strategies that helped minimize the economic impact.
The association emphasized that Brazilian fruit growing has international recognition for the quality of its products, the efficiency of its production chain, and its capacity to adapt to adverse scenarios.
In this context, it assured that it will continue working with producers, exporters, and government agencies to defend the competitiveness of Brazilian fruits in international markets and seek solutions that allow preserving exports and protect the sustainability of the sector.
The extra 25 percent tariff is the result of an investigation initiated in 2025, after the Trump Administration accused Brazil of engaging in unfair trade practices.
Among the allegations, the United States claims that the South American country has given unfair treatment to US technology companies by Brazilian courts, has made insufficient efforts to combat bribery and corruption, has allowed illegal deforestation, and has failed to protect intellectual property rights.
*All images are referential via Shutterstock.
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