The Brazilian government has announced the elimination of import taxes on some essential food products to reduce prices and support citizens' purchasing power. Among the products affected are coffee, olive oil, sugar, corn, sunflower oil, sardines, biscuits, pasta and meat.
As reported by Just Food, the decision was announced by the vice president and minister of Industry and Trade, Geraldo Alckmin, after a meeting with President Lula and other ministers. The measure aims to promote the availability of basic necessities at more affordable prices.
At the same time, the government intends to reform the Serviço de Inspeção Municipal (SIM), the local food inspection agency, by expanding its jurisdiction nationwide. Currently, products certified by the SIM can only be sold within the municipality where they are produced; the new measure will allow them to be sold throughout Brazil, including products such as milk, honey and eggs.
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture announced an increase in the import quota for palm oil from 60.000 to 150.000 tons. The government also plans to strengthen national production through the formation of regulatory stocks managed by the Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (Conab), with subsidies to ensure the availability of basic products. These measures are an important initiative to ensure greater accessibility to essential foods, stimulate the agricultural sector and support the local economy.
