Venezuela’s New Import Taxes on Brazil Threaten Decade-Long Trade Ties

On July 18, 2025, Venezuelan officials began charging high import taxes on Brazilian goods that had long entered tax-free under trade agreements.

This sudden change hit hardest in Brazil’s Roraima state, whose economy depends on Venezuela for more than 70% of its exports.

Key products like flour, sugar, and margarine that once faced no tariffs now face duties reaching up to 40%, plus existing customs and VAT charges.

Official Brazilian export data shows Roraima sold about $145 million in goods to Venezuela in 2024. Across the country, Brazil exported $1.2 billion worth of products to Venezuela that year.

These exports are vital for local jobs and Venezuelan food supplies. However, Venezuelan authorities gave no formal reason for breaking the 2014 Economic Complementation Agreement (ACE 69), which bans such import taxes between the two countries.

Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and trade groups confirmed the sudden tariffs risk pushing Venezuelan buyers to cheaper markets like Colombia or Mexico.

Businesses in Roraima now face much higher costs, putting their survival at risk. At the same time, Venezuelan families may struggle to afford needed foods and goods.

Lula’s Tightrope: Brazil’s Geopolitical Dance with Venezuela

Both countries’ governments say they are working to solve the issue. Still, the story exposes how quickly sudden policy changes can shake local economies, risk jobs, and block vital everyday goods, especially for people living near the border.

For businesses and families in Roraima and Venezuela, this is more than a trade spat—it is a threat to stability and basic livelihoods in a fragile region.

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