Understand the government's new measures to reduce food prices that exempt import taxes on coffee, meat and other items.

The federal government announced, this Thursday (6), measures to reduce food prices, after meetings between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and ministers, and representatives of the wholesale and retail sectors. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin revealed the actions, which include the exemption of taxes on the import of products such as meat, sugar, corn, cookies and cooking oil, in addition to a significant increase in the import quota for olive oil.

The measures are aimed at reducing prices for consumers and were taken at a time of rising food costs. The government will also seek to negotiate with governors to exempt state taxes on basic food items, a practice that, according to Alckmin, will not harm national production, since imports will be supplemented by domestic production.

In addition to tax issues, regulatory actions were also announced, such as the expansion of the Brazilian Inspection System for Products of Animal Origin (Sisbi) to strengthen the production of milk, eggs and honey. The government also guaranteed that the 2025-2026 Harvest Plan will focus on family farming and strengthening regulatory stocks to boost food production in the country.

Sugar industry representative Evandro Gussi praised the government’s initiatives, noting that they seek to bring together the public and private sectors to increase competitiveness and reduce prices for consumers. Although the measures do not have a set timeframe, they will remain in effect until a significant reduction in food prices is observed.

SOURCE: https://www.brasildefato.com.br/2025/03/06/governo-anuncia-medidas-para-reduzir-o-preco-da-comida/