President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sanctioned this Thursday the provisional measure (MP) that ends the so-called "blusinhas tax," charging 20% on international purchases of up to US$ 50. The sanction ceremony took place at the Palace of the Presidency, at 11am. The MP had already been approved by the National Congress the previous week. The end of the charge was one of Lula's electoral banners for his re-election campaign.
The term "blusinhas tax" referred to the collection of a 20% Import Tax on international purchases of up to US$ 50, which was previously zeroed. For purchases above this value, the 60% tax continues to apply.
The measure was taken in a context of pressure on the cost of living and an attempt by the Palace of the Presidency to improve the perception of income of the Brazilian population. The topic divided the government, placing on one side the then Finance Minister, Fernando Haddad, who feared the fiscal impact of the decision.
