Now we just need to raise the mortadella

With food prices putting pressure on inflation — and consequently on the popularity of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva — the government announced on Thursday night, the 6th, measures to try to lower prices. They were presented by Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, who announced the elimination of the import tax on various foods in an attempt to reduce the price of certain items, such as meat, coffee, sugar, and corn.

In addition to the elimination of the tax, Alckmin stated that the Ministry of Agriculture will expedite the analysis of phytosanitary issues concerning other countries that trade with Brazil. "Sometimes there are countries that cannot sell to Brazil, but we will expedite the analysis of this issue," he explained.

The Vice President also announced other measures, such as incentives and prioritization for the basic basket in the Harvest Plan and strengthening the regulatory stocks by the National Supply Company.

Alckmin asserted that the decision to eliminate the import tax on some products should not harm local producers. In his assessment, there will be no harm to producers, but a benefit to consumers.

"We are at a moment where reducing the import tax helps to lower the price. We are not replacing; we are complementing," Alckmin stated at the press conference where the measures were announced.