Brazil's trade friction and economic growth in 2026

Key developments

1. Sep 1, 2026

   President Trump announces a 90-day tariff waiver allowing up to 300,000 metric tons of tariff-free ground beef imports, after JBS co-owner Joesley Batista met with him to discuss lowering Brazil's ta…

   7 sources on this →
2. Sep 1, 2026

   The EU suspends imports of Brazilian meat pending an animal-health audit, adding pressure under the EU-Mercosur trade framework.

   7 sources on this →
3. Sep 1, 2026

   Brazil's economy grows just 0.5% quarter-on-quarter in Q2 2026, as agriculture offsets weak consumer demand ahead of the October election.

   7 sources on this →

Coverage across the spectrum

Stories in this storyline

Politics

Trump's beef tariff pause followed meeting with JBS co-owner, reports say

President Trump announced a 90-day waiver allowing up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to enter tariff-free, a move critics say could disrupt cattle markets and hinder U.S. herd rebuilding even as the administration frames it as consumer relief. Reports show JBS co-owner Joesley Batista met with Trump shortly before the decision to discuss lowering Brazil’s tariffs, raising questions about policy influence and Brazil’s likely gain from the planned quota while the plan promises beef sold 25% below current prices.

7 sources

World

EU suspends Brazilian meat imports pending animal-health audit results

The EU has suspended imports of Brazilian meat and related products for failing to prove compliance with its antibiotic and safety standards, with audits underway to determine whether the ban will be extended or lifted. The move, part of pressure on Brazil under the EU-Mercosur framework, comes as the country remains a major supplier and amid parallel safety concerns referenced in the UK and US contexts, including a Trump tariff waiver that opens U.S. beef markets and renewed calls for a UK-wide ban.