Brazil Weighs Ending 'Blusinhas' Import Tax While Keeping Remessa Conforme

Overview

• Finance Minister Dario Durigan said in a Wednesday interview that the government is debating ending the 20% charge on imports worth up to US$50.
• Durigan said he will not give up Remessa Conforme, a Receita Federal program that collects taxes before delivery and flags unsafe or fraudulent shipments.
• The Finance Ministry said it is weighing counterarguments and preparing to take the issue to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
• Vice President Geraldo Alckmin has argued for keeping the tax to protect domestic producers of low-cost goods.
• The levy was approved by Congress in August 2024 to match import taxes with those paid by local retailers and has helped bring in revenue for the budget.