Trump signs order to remove tariffs from some Brazilian products

U.S. President Donald Trump removed his 40% tariffs on Brazilian food products, including beef, coffee, cocoa and fruits that were imposed in July to punish Brazil over the prosecution of its former president, Trump ally Jair Bolsonaro.

The move follows a similar order by the administration last Friday to remove tariffs on several agricultural products from other countries as the White House makes a U-turn on some tariffs that have increased the cost of food in the United States.

The order will affect Brazilian imports to the U.S. on or after 13 November and may require a refund of the duties collected on those goods while the tariffs were still being charged, according to the text of the order released by the White House.

Brazil normally supplies a third of the coffee used in the United States, the world's largest coffee drinker, and has more recently become an important supplier of beef, particularly the type that is used to make burgers.

U.S. retail coffee prices rose as much as 40% this year due to the tariffs and other market factors such as weather-induced production shortfalls.

"The decision (to lift Brazil tariffs) shows the effectiveness of the trade negotiations," said Brazilian beef industry group ABIEC, adding it will continue to work to increase its share in the market.

Trump's executive order on Thursday did not mention the actions against Brazilian authorities involved in the prosecution and conviction of former President Jair Bolsonaro for plotting a coup to remain in power after losing the 2022 election.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday he was glad that the 40% tariff was removed.

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