Argentine supermarkets renewed their demand for a reduction in the tax burden on the food they sell, targeting the provinces and municipalities, in a note directed to the national government. The document signed by the Argentine Supermarkets Association (CAS) and the Argentine Federation of Supermarkets and Self-Service (FASA) was sent to President Javier Milei and to Ministers of Economy, Luis Caputo, and Deregulation and State Transformation, Federico Sturzenegger.
In the letter, the supermarket chains expressed their support for the public spending cut policy and the tax reductions implemented by the national executive but requested progress in the same direction regarding the tax burden faced by the sector. They highlighted that 'the recent announcement of reductions in withholding taxes on agricultural exports, in the first instance, followed by the elimination and reduction of taxes applied to automobiles and motorcycles, is a plausible confirmation of the decision to take the necessary measures in economic matters.'
The sector expressed its concern about the high tax component in food prices, mentioning that in most cases, it reaches almost 50%. They pointed out that provincial and municipal taxes have a greater impact on the most vulnerable social layers and called for an urgent reduction of these taxes. They specifically referred to Gross Income as a distorting tax that needs to be addressed, as well as other forms of collection that do not translate into improvements for consumers.
The supermarkets called on governors and mayors to act quickly to reduce tax burdens, allowing the population to access necessary products without an excessive fiscal pressure that unjustifiably raises prices. In a gesture of support for the policies of the Milei administration, they highlighted the advances in reducing inflation and price stability that are driving a recovery in consumption.
In conclusion, sector representatives emphasized the importance of continuing to implement measures in the right direction and to act swiftly, prioritizing the most critical sectors to end the economic decay of the country.
