National Coffee Council (CNC): Discussions Between Brazil and the United States Regarding the Tariff Issue

The National Coffee Council (CNC) awaited the official statement from our government regarding the long-anticipated meeting between Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and U.S. President Donald Trump, in order to also express its reiterated position — already stated on several occasions — concerning the trade agreement, which, if not entirely fair, should at least be as close to reality as possible — something that, apparently, has not yet been defined.

It is extremely important that all representatives of the Brazilian coffee sector continue insisting on this matter, as we have been doing, without missing the opportunity to emphasize how beneficial it is for both nations. On one hand, it is a fundamental market for Brazilian coffee; on the other, we observe that American coffee consumers are being penalized by divergences that are much more geopolitical — and, it could be said, ideological — in nature, which bring about commercial consequences, causing losses for both producers and consumers, in addition to creating uncertainty and insecurity about the construction of a promising future for coffee growing — a sector built over more than two centuries and now seriously at risk.

While we must take note of the tariff measures that have been imposed, we must also highlight the efforts of the competent Brazilian authorities, diligently led by all government bodies — including the Parliament and our Vice President, Geraldo Alckmin — who have spared no effort or interest in meeting with both sides, Brazil and the United States, in search of a solution that does not penalize either party, while preserving the strong diplomatic and commercial relations between the two nations.

When it comes to coffee, we recognize the importance of the participation of all organizations, including our own, in the pursuit of a positive outcome — in this case, for the producers, whom we represent through our cooperatives.

In conclusion, we must believe that the negotiations will reach a favorable outcome, while we continue to pursue the opening of new markets. And, as the National Coffee Council always emphasizes, it is essential to take good care of our crops, making them more productive through new technological advancements that help reduce production costs. Investment in research must be a permanently upheld principle.

Valuing our representative bodies — especially our cooperatives, which safeguard the interests of producers — is fundamental. Furthermore, care must be taken to ensure that the expansion of cultivated areas does not compromise the balance between supply and demand, a key element that must always be part of the planning of activities related to coffee production in Brazil.

Source: National Coffee Council (CNC)