The article discusses the need for consumer-centric discussions on access to international products via e-commerce platforms, while challenging misleading interpretations of public sentiment regarding tax equality between local and global retailers in Brazil.
The article emphasizes the importance of placing consumers at the center of the dialogue regarding the access to foreign products facilitated by international e-commerce platforms. It argues that such discussions are both necessary and welcome but cautions against manipulative interpretations of surveys that lead to unfounded conclusions. The author warns that these distortions can steer the debate in a direction that does not accurately reflect public sentiment.
It references an article in Folha which claims that Brazilian consumers support tax equality between national retailers and global companies involved in transnational e-commerce, specifically regarding the controversial 'blusinha tax' (law 14.902/2024) instituted in August 2024. This assertion is described as fundamentally incorrect. Citing the Latam Pulse Brasil research, which indicates a significant disapproval rate of over 60% for the 'blusinha tax', the piece highlights a disconnect between the perceived support for taxation and the actual sentiments of Brazilian consumers.
Further, the article mentions a survey by PlanoCDE from November 2025 showing that 74% of Brazilians are against measures like the 'blusinha tax', contradicting claims of consumer support for tax parity with international retail. This suggests a significant public dissent against policies perceived as detrimental to consumer rights and options, indicating the necessity for policymakers to heed consumer voices and sentiments when shaping future tax legislation related to e-commerce.
