Despite the imposition of tariffs by the United States, Brazilian fruit exports have continued largely without disruption. According to the Brazilian Association of Fruit Exporters (Abrafrutas), the U.S. market absorbed 14% of Brazil's mango export volume in 2024, representing 13% of total mango export revenue. Across all fruits, the U.S. accounted for 7% of exported volume and 12% of sector revenue.
Concerns had initially been raised about approximately 3,000 containers scheduled for shipment this year, but none have been canceled. The sector reports that adjustments made between Brazilian and U.S. companies in pricing margins and business models have allowed exports to continue. While results for the year are expected to be slightly lower, they are not projected to fall sharply.
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ApexBrasil underlined the importance of diversifying markets to reduce reliance on the U.S. The agency organized a business roundtable during Expofruit 2025 in Mossoró (RN), which brought together 13 buyers from 12 countries, including China, Ecuador, Chile, India, Singapore, Romania, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and several African nations. More than 200 meetings are expected to take place to secure new trade agreements.
The current conditions have accelerated efforts to expand exports into new markets, supported by public and federal initiatives. While the benefits of these moves will take time to materialize, the goal is to limit exposure to tariff-related disruptions.
In Rio Grande do Norte, most exports are directed to the European Union, reducing the impact of U.S. tariffs. Data from the RN Fruit Growing Executive Committee indicates that only 5% of fruit exports from the state, mainly melons, are shipped to the U.S.
Exporters are also targeting markets in Asia. In South Korea, Brazilian mangoes went from almost no market presence to supplying 16% of consumption after tariffs were reduced from 44% to zero over three years. This has supported profitability and created opportunities for other Brazilian fruit products to enter the market.
Source: DataMar News