BRAZIL –  The Brazilian Association of Mechanically Processed Wood Industry (Abimci) has issued a public warning about the severe impact of the 50% tariff the United States plans to impose on Brazilian wood products.

With around 180,000 direct jobs at risk, the sector—half of whose production is typically exported to the U.S.—is already experiencing contract cancellations, suspended shipments, idle factories, and forced collective leave.

Abimci urges the Brazilian government to act swiftly with emergency measures and diplomatic negotiations to preserve employment and avoid further industrial shutdowns.

In 2024 alone, exports to the U.S. reached USD 1.6 billion, with some segments relying entirely on that market. Currently, over 2,500 containers are either in transit or waiting at ports, exacerbating uncertainty.

The association also advocates for extending the implementation deadline for the tariffs and discourages reciprocal trade retaliation, which could hinder negotiations.

Abimci emphasizes that the situation demands immediate government response to prevent irreversible damage to a vital industrial sector.