US tariffs hit Brazil’s honey exports, reversing growth in Piauí

Honey exporters in Piauí, the Brazilian state that leads the country’s honey exports, began 2025 with optimism, but the year was marked by a sharp reversal after the sector faced the announcement of a 50% tariff on Brazilian products in the United States, imposed by the government of Donald Trump from August onward.

The measure destabilized the market, led to the cancellation of hundreds of tonnes in sales, and left thousands of beekeeping families on alert heading into the following year.

According to the Brazilian Honey Exporters Association (Abemel), exports in the first half of the year rose 9% compared with the same period in 2024. However, the outlook changed dramatically in July with the announcement of the new U.S. tariffs.

The United States is the leading destination for Brazilian honey, accounting for about 80% of national production. With the so-called “tariff shock,” the accumulated growth turned into a decline. Between January and November 2025, exports were already 6% lower than in the same period a year earlier.

Direct impact on Piauí

Piauí, which topped the ranking of honey exports to the U.S. in 2024, felt the impact quickly. In the state, the sector provides income for more than 40,000 families.

Large companies and cooperatives reported immediate losses:

* Grupo Sama, based in Oeiras, had sales of 585 tonnes cancelled shortly after the tariff announcement.
* The Central of Beekeeping Cooperatives of Brazil’s Semi-Arid Region (Casa Apis), in Picos, saw 152 tonnes of shipments halted, resulting in estimated losses of R$2.5 million in just 15 days.

The effects also reached producers in the field. The price paid to beekeepers per kilo of honey, which had been R$18.50, fell to around R$15.00 in some regions. As a result, some producers postponed harvesting in hopes of a price recovery.

Search for new markets

To reduce dependence on the U.S. market, exporters have stepped up efforts to find new buyers in Europe and Asia. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, and Japan have entered the sector’s strategic radar.
“The world is looking for healthy foods with traceable origins and positive environmental and social impacts. Brazilian honey—especially organic honey—is perfectly positioned for this market,” said Samuel Araújo, CEO of Grupo Sama.

Outlook for 2026

The sector enters 2026 amid uncertainty. Although some U.S. buyers agreed to absorb the 50% tariff in contracts that ran through December 2025, renewing those agreements for the new year has proved difficult.

Beyond trade barriers, climatic factors are also a concern. In 2025, crop-related issues—such as delayed flowering due to a cold spring and periods of drought in Piauí—affected supply.

Renato Azevedo, president of Abemel, described the coming period as decisive. “We are concerned about 2026 with the tariff shock still in place. Exporters are struggling to renew their contracts, and the consequence is a downward trend in prices. 2026 will be a challenging year in every sense,” he said.

Source: G1

Sharing is caring!