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Agricultural industry

Tocantins Governor and Minister of Agriculture Discuss Protection for State's Agribusiness Sector Amid US Tariff Increase

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Tocantins Governor Wanderlei Barbosa and Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Carlos Favaro met in Brasilia to discuss strategies for protecting the state's agribusiness sector, which is heavily reliant on exports to the United States. The meeting focused on finding new markets for Tocantins' agricultural products, particularly beef, which accounts for 60% of the state's exports to the US. From January to June 2025, Tocantins exported approximately US$25 million worth of beef to the US.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US tariff increase of 50% on certain Brazilian products has the potential to cause significant losses for Tocantins' agribusiness sector.
  • Governor Wanderlei Barbosa and Minister Carlos Favaro discussed the importance of finding new markets for Tocantins' agricultural exports.
  • Beef accounts for approximately 60% of Tocantins' exports to the US, with the state exporting approximately US$25 million worth of beef from January to June 2025.
  • Minister Carlos Favaro emphasized the Federal Government's work in opening new international markets for Brazilian products, including partnerships with South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and Japan, which account for 30% of meat exports.
  • The Brazilian government is working to ensure that more products, such as beef, fish, and coffee, are exempt from the new 50% tariff on US-bound exports.
  • Minister Carlos Favaro recommended that Tocantins continue investing in livestock traceability to meet the requirements of countries that prioritize sustainability.
  • The Federal Government is considering tax compensation for Tocantins' meatpacking plants, which would provide security for producers and enable them to continue producing during this difficult time.
  • Senator Eduardo Gomes, federal deputies Alexandre Guimaraes and Antonio Andrade, and state representatives were also present at the meeting.

Statistics:

  • 60% of Tocantins' exports to the US are beef products.
  • From January to June 2025, Tocantins exported approximately US$25 million worth of beef to the US.
  • 30% of Brazil's meat exports are destined for South Korea, Vietnam, Turkey, and Japan.

Sources:

  • [Source 1] Vinicius Santa Rosa/Government of Tocantins, "Governador Wanderlei Barbosa e Ministro da Agricultura discutem alternativas para novos mercados de exportação"
  • [Source 2] Tocantins State Government, press release "Governo do Tocantins realiza encontro em Brasília para discutir proteção à agricultura"

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