Brazilian leaders have been pushing for beef exporters to seek more diverse global markets, calling it a critical step to protect the industry and boost global competitiveness in the wake of a sharp hike in U.S. tariffs. The first-ever Conacarne National Meat Congress was held on Thursday and Friday in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, one of the country's leading agricultural states. As the world's top beef exporter, Brazil convened government officials, industry leaders, and experts through this new platform to explore ways of enhancing international competitiveness while promoting sustainability. The conference comes amid growing concern over a major trade development that since August, the United States has imposed an ad valorem tariff of 40 percent on Brazilian exports, pushing the total rate on many products close to 50 percent. Officials in attendance said the new levies are already having a significant impact on Brazil's livestock and agricultural sector. "Minas Gerais, like the rest of Brazil, is feeling the pressure of having to operate under one of the world's highest tariff systems. Our key exports, especially coffee and meat - pillars of the state economy - are being heavily affected," said Thales Fernandes, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply for Minas Gerais. Brazilian farmers and ranchers have long considered the U.S. a critical export destination, but now many market observers are deeply alarmed by the shift in trade policy. "For certain agricultural products, the U.S. is an indispensable market. The current situation is deeply concerning. We've always fought to defend Brazilian agriculture's interests and to show that our global rise is based on improved competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency, not on any unfair trade practices, as some in the U.S. have claimed," said Sueme Mori Andrade, director of International Relations at the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA). Despite growing challenges, some Brazilian lawmakers see strategic opportunity in adversity. Tereza Cristina, senator for the state of Mato Grosso do Suland and former Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil, stressed the importance of expanding access to Asian markets. "I've been informed that over the past few weeks, we've made progress in gaining access to the markets of Indonesia and Thailand. Alongside China, which remains a key destination, we must aggressively pursue market openings in Japan, South Korea, and other strategically important regions. This will be vital for Brazil moving forward," said Cristina. SHOTLIST: Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil - Sept 18, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland) 1. Various of Brazil's first National Meat Congress (Conacarne) in progress, guests on stage, attendees present 2. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Thales Fernandes, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply for Minas Gerais (starting with shot 1): "Minas Gerais, like the rest of Brazil, is feeling the pressure of having to operate under one of the world's highest tariff systems. Our key exports, especially coffee and meat - pillars of the state economy - are being heavily affected." 3. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Sueme Mori Andrade, director, International Relations, Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CNA) (partially overlaid with shot 4): "For certain agricultural products, the U.S. is an indispensable market. The current situation is deeply concerning. We've always fought to defend Brazilian agriculture's interests and to show that our global rise is based on improved competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency, not on any unfair trade practices, as some in the U.S. have claimed." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 4. Various of guests delivering speeches [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 5. Various of senator delivering speech 6. SOUNDBITE (Portuguese) Tereza Cristina, senator for state of Mato Grosso do Suland; former Minister, Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply of Brazil (partially overlaid with shot 7): "I've been informed that over the past few weeks, we've made progress in gaining access to the markets of Indonesia and Thailand. Alongside China, which remains a key destination, we must aggressively pursue market openings in Japan, South Korea, and other strategically important regions. This will be vital for Brazil moving forward." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE 7. Various of meat products on display; exhibitors engaging with visitors SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE 8. Sign of CNA, people [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]