Voters considered the measure one of the Lula government’s biggest mistakes, according to polls
The fear of electoral wear and tear led the president (PT) to decide to end the so-called “blouse tax”, a federal tax on international purchases of up to US$50. Members of Palácio do Planalto believe that the measure has become one of the government’s main negative symbols among classes C and D, especially among consumers on foreign platforms.
The assessment gained strength after opinion polls showed high rejection of the tax. , released on February 26, indicated that 62% of Brazilians considered the “blouse tax” to be the biggest mistake of the Lula government so far. The theme appeared ahead of other economic measures criticized by the population. The same research revealed that the and the expansion of the bonus for those earning up to R$5,000 were the main successes of the PT administration. Here is it (PDF – 9 MB)
According to reports from members of the government, the minister of Secom (Secretariat of Social Communication), Sidônio Palmeira, that Planalto disassociated itself from the measure to reduce political weariness before the 2026 elections. The assessment was that the charge directly affected low-income consumers, a strategic audience for Lula.
On Tuesday (May 12, 2026), the federal government adopted a provisional measure to end the 20% federal charge on international purchases of up to US$50. Lula signed the text after weeks of internal discussion about the electoral impacts of maintaining the tax. Two years after the creation of the tax, the head of the Executive sees its rejection on the rise and research that shows (PL) à .
The change represents an inflection by the government itself. When taxation was created, members of the economic team argued that the charge would “tax equality” to national retail. Planalto’s allies supported the measure, and the then leader of the Government in the Senate, (PT-BA), publicly defended the end of the exemption.
Behind the scenes, however, Lula’s aides began to consider that the tax had become a political asset for the opposition and helped to consolidate the perception of an increase in the tax burden on the population. The president himself admitted in April that the measure brought “prejudice” politician to the government and classified the charge as unnecessary.
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