Food Shipments Stalled at Brazil’s Top Port Amid U.S. Tariff Uncertainty

The 50% tariff announced by the United States on Brazilian products is already having repercussions at the Port of Santos, located on the coast of São Paulo. According to the Customs Brokers’ Union of Santos and Region (SDAS), shipments are currently halted at Brazil’s largest port complex due to export cancellations by companies, primarily in the food sector.

According to the Santos Port Authority (APS), the U.S. imported more than 8.1 million tonnes through the Port of Santos in 2024, totaling R$ 12.8 billion. That accounted for 12.6% of the port complex’s total exports, placing the U.S. behind only China, which imported 42.4 million tonnes (R$ 26 billion or 25.5%).

Below is a historical chart of Brazilian container exports to the United States via the Port of Santos, based on DataLiner data:

Container Exports to the United States via Port of Santos – Jan 2022 to May 2025 – TEUs

Source: DataLiner (Click here to request a demo)

The 50% tariff, announced by Donald Trump, is expected to take effect on August 1. Nonetheless, effects are already being felt due to exporters’ uncertainty.

Speaking to G1, SDAS secretary Hugo Cesar Evangelista stated that the union has received reports from its members (customs brokers) regarding stalled shipments at the Port of Santos terminals. “Some companies are already returning goods, especially small businesses,” he said.

He explained that the suspension of shipments stems from uncertainty over the rate that will apply when the goods arrive in the U.S., as shipping takes several days.

“We have reports of shipments being held as companies wait to understand how the situation will unfold, while others are canceling and returning goods to their warehouses,” said Evangelista.

According to the union, products such as fruits, juices, and beef are among those halted at the port complex. However, the union does not yet have a complete assessment of the interrupted exports.

Brazil is the U.S.’s main coffee supplier. The current tariff on coffee is 10%, and the new 50% rate would represent a 400% increase. Roughly 35% of Brazilian exports destined for the U.S. are shipped through the Port of Santos.

Source: G1

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