Trump Tariff Surge Accelerates Shipments at Santos Port as Companies Rush to Avoid New Tax — Here’s What’s Happening

Companies exporting goods to the United States through the Port of Santos have ramped up shipments in recent days. According to the Santos Port Authority (APS), this reflects a rush to ship products ahead of the 50% surcharge on Brazilian goods, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, which is set to take effect on August 1.

APS reported a 96% increase in containerized animal protein exports last week—when the tariff was announced—compared to the previous week. The biggest movers were beef, pork, chicken, and offal. The U.S. is the second-largest buyer of these products from Brazil.

“Coffee exports, particularly to the U.S., also rose 17% during the same period,“ said APS president Anderson Pomini.

Another commodity in high demand by American importers is pulp, with 49,400 tonnes shipped last week. The previous week had no shipments of the product.

“The Port of Santos accounts for 30% of Brazil’s trade flow, and the United States is our second-largest customer. We’re seeing a race among exporters to beat the potential 50% tariff hike,“ Pomini emphasized.

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)

Truck Traffic Surges

Truck traffic at the port also jumped about 70% during the same timeframe, Pomini added. “Santos is Brazil’s main gateway to the world—connecting to 200 countries and 600 destinations. These numbers give us a glimpse of the potential impact if the announced tariff is implemented.”

APS says it is closely monitoring the situation and its potential consequences. The port authority notes that an investment plan is already underway to meet the consistently growing demand.

“This includes infrastructure improvements such as access routes, deepening of the navigation channel, and the Santos-Guarujá tunnel, with R$12.5 billion in federal investment. There’s also a project to expand the legal port area from the current 7.8 million square meters to over 20 million, to accommodate rising demand from both agribusiness and Brazilian industry,“ APS said in a statement.

Record Beef Exports in June

Brazil’s beef exports reached an all-time high in June, with revenue up 55% and volume up 41%, according to the Brazilian Meatpackers Association (ABRAFRIGO).

June revenue hit US$1.505 billion, with 341,555 tonnes shipped, compared to US$970.7 million and 242,538 tonnes in the same month of 2024.

China, Brazil’s largest customer, increased its purchases by 11.3% in the first half of this year. The country accounted for 43% of Brazil’s export revenue and 37.4% of export volume.

The United States, the second-largest buyer, increased its purchases by 85.4% in volume and 99.8% in revenue, totaling 411,700 tonnes and US$1.287 billion in the first half of 2025. The U.S. accounted for 24.4% of Brazil’s export volume and 17.3% of revenue.

“The additional tariff could jeopardize sales to the U.S. in the second half of the year and is already worrying Brazilian producers. Meatpackers are feeling the impact, with American clients canceling orders,“ Abrafrigo said in a statement.

Source: A Tribuna

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