Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Brazilian Açaí Producers

BELEM, Brazil (AP) — Ailson Ferreira Moreira, an açaí producer in Brazil, is feeling the tremors of economic shifts after U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports in July. The globally acclaimed Amazon berry, known for its taste and nutritional value, may find itself more expensive and less accessible to American consumers.

Moreira raises a pressing question for the industry: “Who will consume all of this açaí if American buyers can no longer afford it?” The U.S. is the chief importer of açaí, raising fears of a surplus that could lead to plummeting prices in Brazil. “If there’s too much açaí here, people won’t be able to eat it all and the price will drop,” he warned.

Initial Impact on Producers

Producers in the northern state of Pará are already experiencing the repercussions. The surplus of açaí without a viable export market is becoming increasingly problematic just days after the tariffs took effect. Ailson noted that a crate of açaí typically sells for about $50 in local markets, but that value is expected to fall sharply.

Rogério de Carvalho, an owner of São Paulo’s Acai Tropicalia Mix, echoed these concerns. His company exported around 270 tons of açaí cream to the U.S. before tariffs rolled in. With American importers hesitating and negotiations on hold, he estimates losses of approximately 1.5 million Brazilian reais ($280,000). Carvalho remains optimistic about a resolution that would stabilize the market and restore American clients.

Tariffs Linked to Political Turbulence

The tariff increase has been directly linked to the legal troubles of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, currently under house arrest for his alleged involvement in a coup attempt following his electoral defeat. Notably, while many Brazilian exports have been exempted from tariffs, açaí has not been among them.

The Brazilian industry ministry has not responded to inquiries regarding whether açaí berries are still subject to negotiation in trade talks with U.S. representatives.

Açaí: A Vital Economic Resource

Nearly all açaí consumed in the U.S. comes from Brazil, with Pará state accounting for 90% of the nation’s output. Several communities rely heavily on this industry, finding ways to defend their livelihoods while also protecting the rainforest from illegal exploitation.

The harvesting of açaí is labor-intensive, involving workers who ascend tall trees to collect the berries with minimal safety gear. The process is not just about production; it’s also vital for ecological stewardship, as these producers fend off illegal loggers and miners.

In Belem’s bustling Ver-o-Peso açaí market, freshly harvested berries are transported by boat and sold, reflecting a rich cultural tradition deeply woven into the fabric of Brazilian life. The Brazilian Association of Fruit and Derivative Producers and Exporters reports that açaí exports from Pará have soared from less than one ton in 1999 to over 61,000 tons in 2023, a trend that was expected to continue until the recent tariffs disrupted the market.

Seeking Solutions

As a response to the U.S. tariffs, Brazil has requested consultations at the World Trade Organization. However, the pressure is mounting for local harvesters like Mikael Silva Trindade, who fear for the industry’s future. “There will be nowhere to market the excess açaí,” he lamented while picking berries in Pará. “The more you export, the more valuable it becomes. But if there’s too much to sell, it will stay here and become cheap.”