American Expatriate Costa Rica

Government raises import tax on sugar

The Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry raised taxes on sugar imported from Brazil in 3.67%, a figure that is lower than the 6.8% originally announced.

Minister Geanina Dinarte partially accepted the appeal filed by the importing company Maquila Lama and backed its initial decision.

The measure would also reject the appeal filed by the Agricultural Industrial League on Sugarcane (LAICA), which sought to increase the tariffs already paid in more than 40%. Sugar imports from Brazil already pay 46% of taxes.

Despite this, the importer is still not satisfied with two elements, believing that the criteria is far from the recommendations by the Investigating Authority of MEIC, who argued that the case should be filed, because no elements of unfair competition were found.

Juan Carlos Sandoval, general manager of Maquila Lama, said that they will study the decision of the MEIC and analyze whether to file an administrative contentious appeal, aiming to reestablishing the legality in the actions by MEIC.

The Brazilian government expressed concern about the issue and it is up to them if this case goes to the WTO.

crhoy.com