President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure on May 13, 2026 [3], revoking a 20% import tax on international purchases up to US$ 50 [1].
The move creates a sharp divide between Brazilian domestic retailers and foreign e-commerce platforms. Local businesses argue that removing the tax, known as the “taxa das blusinhas,” creates an unfair playing field that favors overseas giants over national industry.
Industry groups including the National Confederation of Industry (CNI), the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo (Fiesp), and the Brazilian Association of Textiles and Apparel (ABVTEX) have criticized the decision. These organizations said the removal of the levy harms local businesses and disrupts the domestic textile sector.
Retailers are now demanding compensation or equal tax treatment to offset the competitive advantage held by foreign importers. They argue that the absence of the 20% [1] tax allows international platforms to undercut local prices significantly.
Conversely, foreign importers and platforms such as Shein and Temu support the exemption. These entities said the measure maintains low-cost access to foreign-made clothing for Brazilian consumers.
The threshold for this tax exemption remains set at US$ 50 [2]. While the provisional measure was signed in May 2026 [3], the market has reacted with volatility as the government balances consumer affordability against the protection of national manufacturing.
“President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure on May 13, 2026, revoking a 20% import tax.”
The revocation of the 'taxa das blusinhas' represents a pivot in Brazil's trade policy, prioritizing consumer purchasing power and the growth of digital trade over the protectionist goals of the domestic textile industry. By removing the 20% barrier for low-value imports, the government risks alienating powerful industrial lobbies like Fiesp and CNI, potentially leading to legislative challenges or demands for new subsidies to keep local factories competitive against high-volume Asian exporters.
