The meat giant lists shares in the United States while facing questions over political donations and past controversies.
Brazilian JBS S.A., one of the world’s largest meat processing companies, has begun trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), completing a dual listing process that also includes its shares on Brazil’s B3 stock exchange.
The listing became official on June 13, marking the culmination of years of efforts by the company to enter the U.S. stock market.
In a statement, JBS global CEO Gilberto Tomazoni said the move reflects the company’s growth over the years and its focus on expanding its access to international capital.
Last month, the decision to proceed with the dual listing was approved by minority shareholders in Brazil, although the two largest shareholders chose not to participate in the vote.
JBS Chief Financial Officer Guilherme Cavalcanti described the NYSE listing as a financial strategy to attract a wider investor base and improve the company’s capital structure.
Founded 72 years ago, JBS operates over 250 facilities in 17 countries and employs around 280,000 people globally.
Despite the milestone, the company’s stock debut in the U.S. has faced backlash from lawmakers and environmental activists due to a history of allegations involving corruption, monopolistic practices, and environmental violations.
In the latest controversy, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to JBS USA and its subsidiary Pilgrim’s Pride questioning a US$5 million donation to the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee.
The donation was made ahead of the approval of JBS’s plan to list shares in the United States, raising concerns about its timing and intent.
A spokesperson for Pilgrim’s Pride defended the contribution, saying the company has historically engaged in bipartisan political activities and expressed hope for working with the current administration.
The dual listing gives JBS greater visibility in the global market, but it also brings increased scrutiny over its business practices and transparency.
Environmental organizations have raised questions about the company’s impact on deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, especially in the Amazon region.
Critics argue that JBS’s expansion into the U.S. market should not come without closer oversight of its environmental and ethical standards.
With trading now active on the NYSE, JBS enters a new phase of growth while navigating growing concerns from policymakers and advocacy groups.
In April 2025, JBS agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit filed by cattle ranchers who accused JBS, Tyson, Cargill, and National Beef of colluding to limit competition in the purchase of fed cattle and artificially suppress the prices paid to producers. The company agreed to pay $83.5 million into a settlement fund to settle the class action.
Source: Food Business
