Canned sardines. MPA's request aims to regulate the market and guarantee the competitiveness of the sardine trade in Brazil. (Photo: Stock File)

Higher taxes for canned sardine imports

BRAZIL
Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 01:30 (GMT + 9)

The Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministry (MPA) has asked the Foreign Chamber of Commerce (CAMEX) to temporarily modify the aliquot of import tax on canned sardine, from 16 per cent to 32 per cent.

The primary aim of the measure is to regulate the market and guarantee the competitiveness of the sardine trade in Brazil.

According to the MPA, imports of processed sardines - mainly from Asia - were arriving to the country at a very low price, one that does not reflect production costs.

Brazilian seafood authorities deem that this situation causes a distortion in the relations of the sardine production chain and affects the industries and the capture of this pelagic species.

At present, 210 vessels of great bearing target sardine off the Brazilian coast. This activity sustains around 3,500 direct jobs.

The increase in imports of canned sardine is attributed in part to the improvement noted in the national economy since 2003, which has translated into a boost in product consumption.

The MPA contends that the ascent of the aliquot in imports will safeguard national production, maintaining the solid operation of the market for the processing industries , the seafood sector and international trade.

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

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