SAO PAULO, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's premium fruit growers warned Friday that new U.S. tariffs could trigger a major crisis for mango exporters, as a 50 percent import duty announced by U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to derail peak-season shipments.
"If we can't ship mangoes to the United States, our entire regional operation could collapse," said Tassio Lustoza, director of Valexport, a major association of fruit producers.
The tariffs are scheduled to take effect on Aug. 1, coinciding with the start of Brazil's key mango export season to the United States, known as the "American window."
In 2024, Brazil exported 34,000 tons of mangoes to the United States between August and November, data showed. Growers said this year's exports would become economically unviable under the new tariff, threatening a supply chain that supports 250,000 direct and 950,000 indirect jobs.
Valexport said buyers have already indicated they will cut orders by 70 percent due to the tariff hike.
On Tuesday, Valexport sent letters to Brazilian and U.S. officials, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the U.S. embassy in Brasilia, warning of the "devastating effects" of the new duties.
In 2024, Brazil exported 258,305 tons of mangoes worth 350 million U.S. dollars. The domestic market cannot absorb the excess supply, Lustoza noted. "We're talking about 50,000 tons that will have nowhere to go," he said. ■
