Venezuela must start charging tariffs of 77% on products from Brazil

In a surprise announcement this Friday (25), Venezuela announced that it will begin charging customs duties of 77% on Brazilian products. The surcharge mainly affects oil and soybeans sold to the neighboring country, but also margarine, flour, cocoa, sugarcane, and dairy products, and primarily affects exporters who ship these products through Roraima. Thus, the measure affects goods with certificates of origin that, according to previously established agreements, should be exempt from import tariffs. The Federation of Industries of the State of Roraima (Fier) was informed that the charge also affected Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, the other Mercosur partners. Commentator for Canal Rural Miguel Daoud recalls that Venezuela has been suspended from the bloc since 2017 for non-compliance with democratic norms agreed upon by the members. "Therefore, it has no legitimacy to manipulate trade rules on behalf of the regional bloc. Even so, it continued to enjoy tariff benefits based ...