Trump’s new tariffs save 46% of Brazil’s exports to the US

The new tariff regime in the United States should save 46% of Brazilian products exported to the country, the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (Mdic) reported this Tuesday (24). Among the items benefiting are aircraft, which now have a zero rate for entry into the US market..

The changes come after a decision by the United States Supreme Court that struck down the so-called reciprocal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration based on national emergency legislation.

In a note, the ministry reported that, with the new executive order published on February 20, around 46% of Brazilian exports to the USA (US$17.5 billion) are without any additional surcharge.

Another 25% (US$9.3 billion) is now subject to the global tariff of 10%. Applied based on Section 122 of the Commerce Act of 1974, the percentage can increase to 15% according to the US government.

Already 29% of exports (US$ 10.9 billion) continue to be subject to the sectoral tariffs provided for in the so-called Section 232, a mechanism applied in a linear manner to several countries based on national security arguments, as in the case of steel and aluminum.

Before the changes, approximately 22% of Brazilian exports were subject to surcharges of up to 40% or 50%.

Aircraft

One of the main changes is the exclusion of aircraft from the new tariffs. The product now has a zero rate, compared to the previous taxation of 10%.

According to the Mdic, aircraft were the third main item on Brazilian exports to the United States in 2024 and 2025, with high added value and technological content.

Sectors benefited

In addition to aircraft, the ministry assesses that the new regime increases the competitiveness of several Brazilian industrial segments in the North American market.

Among the benefited sectors are:

Machines and equipment;

Footwear;

Furniture;

Clothing;

Wood;

Chemicals;

Ornamental rocks.

These products no longer face tariffs of up to 50% and begin to compete under an isonomic rate (the same for all countries) of 10%, or possibly 15%.

In the agricultural sector, fish, honey, tobacco and instant coffee also leave the 50% rate for the general rate of 10% (or possibly 15%).

Bilateral trade

In 2025, trade between Brazil and the United States totaled US$82.8 billion, an increase of 2.2% over 2024. Brazilian exports totaled US$37.7 billion, while imports reached US$45.1 billion, generating a trade deficit of US$7.5 billion for Brazil.

The Mdic highlights that the data was estimated based on exports to the United States last year. According to the ministry, the calculations may vary depending on technical criteria for tariff classification and the specific destination of the products.

Brazilian exports to the USA (2025)

Source: Mdic