Brazilian Government Removes Import Taxes

The Brazilian government has announced the elimination of import taxes on several essential food items to combat rising food prices and counter recent U.S. trade measures.

Vice President Geraldo Alckmin presented a plan to remove import taxes on several common grocery items.

The decision aims to help families afford food as prices continue to rise.

Products with No Import Taxes

Here are the products that will become cheaper with no import taxes:

  • Meat (previous tax 10.8%)
  • Coffee (previous tax 9%)
  • Sugar (previous tax 14%)
  • Corn (previous tax 7.2%)
  • Sunflower Oil (previous tax 9%)
  • Olive Oil (previous tax 9%)
  • Palm Oil (import limit raised to 150,000 tonnes)
  • Sardines (previous tax 32%)
  • Cookies (previous tax 16.2%)
  • Pasta (previous tax 14.4%)

Purpose of the Measure

Inflation Going Down
Image source: axios.com

The government wants to reduce inflation, making essential food items more affordable. Last year, food prices rose significantly, causing families to struggle with daily expenses.

Meat prices alone increased by over 20% in 2024, strongly impacting overall inflation.

Additional Government Actions

The Brazilian government also suggested states remove the ICMS tax on basic grocery items. Federal taxes on these products have already been removed. Other important actions include:

Economic Impact

According to Finance Secretary Guilherme Mello, removing these import taxes will not significantly impact government revenue. Imports of these products have been limited due to higher taxes. Lowering taxes will encourage more imports and competition, benefiting consumers with lower prices.

When Will the Changes Begin?

Vice President Alckmin stated the new measures will start within days. The exact date depends on approval from government agencies, which is expected soon.

Conclusion

Brazilโ€™s government hopes these new tax measures will quickly reduce food prices. Families facing high grocery costs can expect relief once these changes take effect.

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Miloลก Nikolovski
Miloลก Nikolovski
I am Milos Nikolovski, a journalist with an insatiable curiosity for global affairs, cultural intersections, and the stories that define our time. My work spans continents, covering the pulse of international relations, the evolving dynamics between the United States and Brazil, the complexities of politics, and the deeper narratives found in travel, food, and everyday life. Every story I tell comes from direct experience, firsthand conversations, and an unfiltered approach to truth. I do not chase sensationalism or empty headlines. My focus remains on substanceโ€”on the issues that shape nations, the policies that drive decisions, and the cultural shifts that reveal where societies are headed. Whether dissecting diplomatic strategies, unraveling the economic forces linking Brazil and the United States, or walking through the markets of Sรฃo Paulo to uncover the hidden layers of a cityโ€™s identity, I believe in journalism that informs and challenges perspectives. Travel plays a crucial role in my work, not as an escape but as a means to engage with the world. The places I visit are not vacation spots; they are living, breathing spaces filled with voices, struggles, and triumphs. Whether exploring the political landscapes of Latin America, tracing historical legacies in Europe, or uncovering the latest food revolution in an unexpected corner of the world, my mission remains the sameโ€”to document, to report, and to bring forward stories that matter. Beyond borders and breaking news, my work is guided by core values: honesty, independence, and accessibility. Journalism must be fearless, unfiltered, and unbound by external pressures. I write for those who seek more than surface-level narratives, for those who value depth over distraction, and for those who refuse to settle for anything less than the full picture.
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