Imports Drop 11%, But Government Sets Record Revenue from Remittance Taxes

The Federal Revenue Service of Brazil revealed on Wednesday (29) that the number of Brazilians who placed international orders declined by 11% in 2024 compared to the previous year. 187.12 million shipments were recorded this year, down from 209.58 million in 2023.

Despite the drop in import volume, import tax revenue increased significantly by 40.7%, with the government collecting R$ 2.98 billion, reaching a historic record for the sector.

Impact of the Remessa Conforme Program

Most of this revenue came from the Remessa Conforme Program, which accounted for 91.5% of imports in 2024. The program, designed to regulate the importation of goods, has already accumulated 171.3 million registered declarations this year. The initiative aims to increase transparency and regularize international purchases, which until recently were often made without proper declaration to the Federal Revenue Service.

Increased Taxation and Consumer Impact

The rise in revenue can be attributed to the intensification of taxation, which now applies to all remittances, regardless of the import value. Since 2023, Brazil has imposed taxes on all international purchases, which, according to the Federal Revenue Service, has significantly contributed to the increase in revenue.

ICMS (state tax) collection on orders up to US$50 has also had a significant impact. In August 2024, the federal government and Congress introduced a 20% tax on these purchases and a similar increase in state ICMS rates. By April 2025, the combined tax burden could exceed 50% on certain international purchases.

Although importers and consumers have criticized the higher taxation, domestic retailers support the new measures, arguing that they enhance market competitiveness and prevent unfair competition from international e-commerce platforms.

Source: Brado Jornal

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