Joesley asked Trump to reduce tariffs on meat, says “WSJ”

Brazilian businessman Joesley Batista, who shares control of JBS with his brother Wesley Batista, asked the President of the United States, Donald Trump (Republican Party), to reduce tariffs charged on beef imports. The information is from Wall Street Journal.

According to the newspaper, Joesley met with Trump in the Oval Office on August 20. The two discussed the possibility of expanding the supply of Brazilian meat to the United States if the North American government removed a 26% tariff on the product. It is not known who organized the meeting.

The day after the meeting, Trump announced on social media a plan to temporarily allow a greater quantity of foreign meat to enter the North American market. According to the president, imported products would be sold at prices 25% lower than those practiced in the country.

The measure was formalized on August 26th. The government authorized the entry of up to 300 thousand additional tons of lean beef for 90 days, 100 thousand tons per month from September to November. The objective is to expand the offer and reduce prices for consumers.

The increase in imports benefits companies with production in Brazil, including JBS itself. Data from the United States Department of Agriculture cited by WSJ show that Brazil exported US$1.5 billion in beef to the country in the first 6 months of 2026, an increase of 10% compared to the same period of the previous year.

Brazilian industry also saw room to expand shipments. Abiec (Brazilian Association of Meat Exporting Industries) stated that the new quota represents an opportunity, although the requirement for lower prices limits companies’ margins. The meat covered is mainly used in the manufacture of ground beef and hamburgers.

Reaction in the USA

The decision provoked a reaction from ranchers and Republican congressmen in the United States. The National Beef Producers Association stated that government intervention could harm producers and hinder the sector’s long-term stability.

O WSJ also highlighted JBS’s proximity to the Trump administration. Pilgrim’s Pride, controlled by the Brazilian company, donated US$5 million to the presidential inauguration, becoming the event’s largest donor. JBS claims to have a long history of participation in the civic process in the United States.

The plan comes at a time of difficulties for JBS’s North American beef operation. The low availability of cattle put pressure on the company’s margins, which recorded a net loss of US$102 million in the 2nd quarter of 2026, despite record revenue of US$23.9 billion.

JBS is also undergoing a change in command. Wesley Batista Filho, who currently heads JBS USA, will take over as the company’s global CEO in January 2027. The North American operation accounts for more than half of the group’s global revenue.

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