Brazil Sees Decline in Amazon Deforestation Amid US Tensions

WHO:

ABC News - Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco announced the deforestation figures.

ABC News - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva commented on the U.S. tariffs and deforestation issues.

ABC News - The Trump administration is involved in proposing tariffs against Brazil.

WHAT:

ABC News - Brazil reported a 61.4% drop in Amazon deforestation in May compared to the same month in 2025.

ABC News - A total of 370 square kilometers (nearly 143 square miles) of the rainforest were cleared in May.

ABC News - Deforestation in the Cerrado fell by 12% during the same period.

Phys.org - In 2025, the area deforested in Brazil fell below 1 million hectares for the first time since 2019, totaling 984,794 hectares cleared, a reduction of 20.6% compared to 2024.

ABC News - Deforestation in the Amazon fell by 37.5% from August 2025 to May 2026.

WHERE:

ABC News - The deforestation figures pertain to the Amazon rainforest and the Cerrado savanna in Brazil.

WHEN:

ABC News - The Trump administration proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil on June 2.

ABC News - The deforestation figures for May are the lowest ever recorded for that month.

WHY:

ABC News - The Trump administration justified additional tariffs on Brazil by citing illegal deforestation and unfair trade practices.

ABC News - Lula stated that the U.S. raised questions about deforestation due to a lack of understanding of Brazil's efforts to reduce it to zero by 2030.

HOW:

ABC News - Brazil's government is implementing measures to reduce deforestation as part of its commitment to environmental protection.

(UPDATED June 11, 2026 18:08 UTC)

Brazil has announced a remarkable 61.4% drop in Amazon deforestation for May, with only 370 square kilometers cleared, marking the lowest figures ever recorded for that month. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva addressed the recent proposal by the Trump administration for 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil, which was justified by claims of illegal deforestation and unfair trade practices. Lula emphasized that the U.S. concerns stem from a misunderstanding of Brazil's commitment to reducing deforestation to zero by 2030, as the country continues to implement measures for environmental protection.