“It’s impossible to offset a 50 percent tariff without increasing the retail price”

Publication date: August 27, 2025

U.S. fresh produce imports from Brazil are subject to a 50 percent import tariff, which became effective on August 6, 2025. “Since it has only been into effect for three weeks, it is too early to assess the impact,” says Andrés Ocampo, CEO of HLB Specialties who brings in papayas from Brazil. “We do know there will be consequences because such a high price increase is difficult to offset,” he added. Tightening margins or creating efficiencies won’t be sufficient to make up for the increase. “We do what we can, but we won’t be able to absorb this price increase in full,” he said.

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