JBS, a Brazilian meatpacking giant and the largest in the world, is set to debut on the New York Stock Exchange on Friday, a day later than initially planned. This marks a major milestone for the company after years of legal and environmental challenges.
The company has faced numerous scandals, including a 2020 guilty plea for U.S. bribery charges. Environmentalists have criticized JBS for its large greenhouse gas emissions, which the company compares to those of the state of Michigan.
These emissions mainly come from its beef operations, which produce methane and require extensive land use. However, JBS’s reported emissions exclude those from land-use changes like deforestation, which experts say means its true climate impact is greater.
JBS has also been accused of misleading investors about its environmental commitments. In 2023, the company’s CEO announced plans to reach net zero emissions by 2040, but this claim was challenged as “greenwashing” by New York’s attorney general, who filed a lawsuit alleging false advertising. The lawsuit was dismissed but may be amended and refiled later this year.
Despite opposition from environmental groups and bipartisan U.S. senators, including Senator Ron Wyden who criticized JBS for ignoring deforestation in its supply chain, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved JBS’s U.S. listing in April. The listing will give JBS access to new capital markets to support growth and acquisitions.
The timing of the listing may have been influenced by the current U.S. administration’s less stringent stance on corporate misconduct. Experts note that previous administrations might have blocked such a listing due to the company’s troubled past.
JBS has also faced scrutiny over labor practices. In early 2025, JBS USA agreed to pay $4 million in settlements following investigations that found child labor violations at several of its meatpacking plants.
These violations involved minors working dangerous overnight shifts through third-party contractors. The company has since stopped using such contractors for sanitation roles and committed funds to support affected children.
In summary, JBS’s entry into the U.S. stock market comes amid ongoing controversies related to bribery, environmental damage, and labor violations. The company’s future performance and social responsibility efforts will be closely watched by investors and regulators alike.
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