Trump Tariff Halts Brazilian Fish Exports to the U.S.

The 50% tariff announced by U.S. President Donald Trump (Republican Party) has brought Brazilian fish exports to the United States to a standstill. On Thursday (July 10, 2025), nearly 60 containers were halted at Brazilian ports. They are loaded with around 1,000 tons of fish intended for the U.S. market, according to Folha de S.Paulo.

In a statement, Abipesca (the Brazilian Fish Industry Association) said that the U.S. market accounts for 70% of Brazil’s fish exports and generates over US$240 million in trade.

The containers are located at ports such as Salvador (BA), Pecém (CE), and Suape (PE). Speaking to Folha, Abipesca president Eduardo Lobo Naslavsky said the halt in shipments was the decision of buyers themselves “because they still don’t know how much they’ll have to pay for the fish” due to the new tariffs.

The average shipping time to the U.S. is 18 to 20 days. As a result, importers would be forced to pay the new tariffs once the cargo arrives on U.S. soil.

“Depending on the amount, they want to renegotiate. That’s the impasse,” Naslavsky explained.

Abipesca expressed “deep concern” over the repercussions of the tariffs announced by Trump.

“This measure will have a significant impact, especially on Brazil’s fish sector, directly affecting the aquaculture processing industry and leading to substantial losses for a segment that, unlike other proteins, faces specific market restrictions which Abipesca has been discussing daily in specialized forums,” the statement said.

The association called on the Brazilian government to “adopt a cautious and diplomatic approach” to resolve the issue, “avoiding confrontations or retaliatory actions that could worsen the situation.”
It also urged President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s administration to prioritize opening the European market to Brazilian fish products.

“The slow progress on this front, especially in moments like this, highlights the need to reduce dependence on specific markets for Brazilian fish,” it said.

Source: Poder 360

Sharing is caring!