Brasília – Brazil’s National Industry Confederation (CNI) presented its 2018 International Industry Calendar, comprising 98 priority actions intended to streamline foreign trade, eliminate paperwork requirements and modernize Brazil’s trade policy. According to the CNI, the priorities have been set through ample consultation with federations, associations, employer unions and companies of all sizes.
When it comes to trade policy, the CNI stresses the relevance of concluding the Mercosur-European Union free-trade agreement and boosting Brazil-Mexico trade. “At the same time, Brazil must strengthen its commercial defense system, through the establishment of new trade partnerships, in order to fight disloyal practices,” the organization says.
Moreover, Brazilian industry requires measures like the Unified Foreign Trade Portal, to get rid of red tape and make trade easier, and improvements like the Authorized Economic Operator program. According to the CNI, customs-related delays and paperwork entail costs equivalent to a 15% tax on exports from Brazil and a 14% tax on imports to Brazil.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
