Mercosur Apparel Import Duties Set to Increase

Apparel import duties are expected to increase in the Mercosur trade block of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela. 

Brazil has approved raising the average import duty to 35 percent from 20 percent on apparel imports from outside the Mercosur trade block, which should take effect in June.  The other trade block countries are expected to implement the increase as well. 

 

In recent years, Brazil has had a significant increase in apparel imports, with imports sharply expanding in 2006 as strength in the real/U.S. dollar exchange rate continued to impact trade.  The new import duties are aimed at slowing imports from China, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

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