US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to reduce “some tariffs” on coffee, one of Brazil’s main exports. This speech was given in an interview on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle” this Tuesday (11/11).
“We’re going to lower some of the coffee tariffs, and coffee will be able to reach (the United States),” he said. “We process all of this very quickly. It’s surgical and it’s beautiful to look at, but the cost of living is much lower today.”
Despite this statement, the president did not say which tariffs would be affected or when the measure would go into effect. He said the decision is part of an effort to “improve trade in strategic areas and benefit U.S. consumers.”
The speech came months after the government itself raised import duties on Brazilian products, including coffee, to up to 50%. Brazil is the world’s largest exporter of coffee, with the United States being one of its major sales destinations. According to data from the International Coffee Organization (ICO), around 20% of Brazil’s coffee exports go to the American market.
Improving relations between Brazil and the United States
Mr. Trump’s new position on the coffee tax was announced in the context of recent diplomatic and commercial rapprochement between the United States and Brazil, symbolized by meetings, conversations, and nods between Mr. Trump and Mr. Lula.
In October, after a brief meeting at the United Nations General Assembly, President Trump and President Lula spoke via video call. This dialogue was praised by both presidents as “very good.” In the same month, the two leaders attended the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in the Malaysian capital. The meeting lasted about an hour.
The White House and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) have not released any additional information regarding President Trump’s statement as of press time. The Brazilian government also did not comment on the announcement.
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