Brazil's CADE Investigates Commodity Firms Over Soy Moratorium Collaboration
Brazil's competition authority, CADE, is investigating commodity firms for potential anti-competitive practices related to the Amazon soy moratorium, which prohibits sourcing soy from deforested areas. The moratorium, initiated in 2008, has significantly reduced new soy cultivation in logged areas. However, pressure from agribusiness lobbyists, including Aprosoja Brasil, and the introduction of new laws threatening tax benefits for companies adhering to voluntary environmental commitments could jeopardize this initiative. As of 2026, the new law could lead to a withdrawal from the moratorium by key industry players.

The Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) in Brazil is investigating commodity firms for alleged anti-competitive behavior concerning the Amazon soy moratorium, which has effectively reduced new soy cultivation in deforested areas. This moratorium, in place since 2008, is under scrutiny following complaints from the pro-agribusiness Agriculture, Livestock, Supply, and Rural Development Committee.
CADE's interim measure has halted audits and reports related to the moratorium. If CADE's findings are upheld, firms may lose the ability to collaboratively enforce deforestation prevention, potentially reversing progress made since the moratorium's inception. In response to legislative changes, including the removal of tax benefits for firms exceeding national laws, significant industry actors like ABIOVE have announced their withdrawal from the moratorium.




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