2024-07-19 23:59:19
The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, announced that it will suspend tariffs on imported basic food basket items for ten years, in an attempt to mitigate price increases. The measure, presented as an initiative to protect Salvadorans from inflationhas raised criticism from producers y economists.
Bukelewho has previously implemented drastic measures against gangs, now faces the task of combating food inflation. In a message on the X network, Bukele reported that he would send a proposal to the Congress to suspend tariffs on all products in the expanded basic basket and another 70 food products.
Ramon Villalta, director of “Social Initiative for Democracy”, supported the measure as a potential benefit for the population in the face of rising prices. However, economists, such as Rafael Lemus and Cesar Villalona, They have criticized the initiative as “ineffective” and “populist,” noting that most foods are no longer subject to tariffs due to free trade agreements with several countries in the Central American region.
Luis Treminio, President of the Salvadoran Chamber of Small and Medium Agricultural Producers, warned that the elimination of tariffs could put national production at a disadvantage and encourage imports.
Last week, authorities began inspections in supermarkets to combat business “mafias” that Bukele accused of inflating food prices. At the same time, the government has opened agricultural markets mobile phones to promote direct sales and avoid intermediaries.
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2024-07-19 23:59:19