AMAPÁ, BRAZIL - More than 11 tons of açaí destined for export to the United States are currently stranded in the northern Brazilian state of Amapá.

The suspension was initiated by the harvesters themselves, who deemed the product uncompetitive in light of the steep 50% tariff that came into effect on Wednesday (August 6) under the administration of Donald Trump.

The shipment included 10 tons of açaí pulp and 1.5 tons of powdered açaí, both prepared by the AmazonBai cooperative.

The organization brings together workers from Bailique, the 'Beira Amazonas' region, and the Wajãpi Indigenous Territory.

The move directly impacts producers in Brazil’s North, particularly those in the Bailique archipelago, a remote district of Macapá (Amapá’s capital).

Around 10,000 riverside dwellers rely on açaí harvesting, which remains a cornerstone of the local economy.

The pulp is sold for around USD 5 per kilo, while the vacuum-dehydrated, highly concentrated powdered açaí can reach up to USD 60 per kilo.

The states of Pará, Amazonas, and Amapá are responsible for nearly all of Brazil’s açaí production.

The sector employs roughly 300,000 people, including both formal and informal workers.

AmazonBai has stated that the pulp shipment is now being redirected to Portugal.

There is, however, no immediate destination for the powdered açaí.

Source: amazonagency.news