Lula dismisses industry losses from end of 'blusinhas' import tax as 'half false'

Brazilian President Lula publicly rejected business-sector claims that ending the 20% import tax on international purchases up to US$50 will hurt domestic industry and commerce, calling the narrative 'half false.' The measure, sanctioned via a provisional measure converted into law, removes a tariff that had been a point of contention between the government and the productive sector. The dispute signals potential friction in government-business relations and may precede further tax policy adjustments.