Brazil has abolished import taxes on essential food items to lower prices for consumers. This initiative, announced by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, includes key products like coffee, sugar, and meat. The government also plans to raise palm oil quotas and adjust food safety regulations to support local farmers and boost domestic production.
The Brazilian government has decided to abolish import taxes on essential food products to help reduce prices. This decision targets commodities such as coffee, olive oil, sugar, corn, sunflower oil, sardines, cookies, pasta, and meat. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who is also the minister for industry and trade, made the announcement following a meeting involving President Lula and various ministers, including those from agriculture, finance, and agrarian development.
Alckmin stated, “These are measures to reduce prices, to benefit citizens so that they can maintain their purchasing power and have their basic food basket at a better price.” He emphasized that this initiative would stimulate both the production and commerce sectors. The elimination of these import taxes, which range from 7.2% on corn to 32% on sardines, reflects the government’s intention to stimulate economic activity while reducing costs for consumers.
In addition to eliminating import taxes, Brazil plans to increase the import quota for palm oil, raising it from 60,000 to 150,000 metric tons. The government also intends to revise its food safety inspection rules, expanding the Municipal Inspection Service’s jurisdiction to a national level. This will enable products currently certified for local markets, such as liquid milk, honey, and eggs, to be sold nationwide.
Agriculture and Livestock Minister Carlos Fávaro mentioned that these changes would enhance opportunities for Brazilian farmers. He noted, “For one year, we will apply the effects of the SIM to the entire Brazilian territory.” This applies to products cleared of health risks to ensure food quality remains high.
Additionally, the government aims to bolster domestic production of basic food items. The National Supply Company (Conab) will invest in regulatory stocks to stabilize the market. Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Agriculture, Paulo Teixeira, stated, “We will have a set of products that will be subsidised to offer to Brazilian society, focusing on the basic food basket.”
In conclusion, Brazil’s decision to eliminate import taxes on essential food items aims to reduce consumer prices and stimulate economic activity. The government is expanding food safety regulations and raising import quotas while also investing in domestic production. These changes are intended to enhance agricultural opportunities and ensure that basic food products remain affordable for the Brazilian population.
Original Source: www.just-food.com
