South America Increase In Soda Ash Tariff

The Brazilian government has reportedly increased the soda ash import tariff from 13% to 19%, in order to protect the only soda-ash producer in the country, Companhia Nacional de Alcalis (CNA). The new tariff will be valid until the end of 1998. It will fall to 15% in 1999 and the year 2000 and to 10% in the year 2001. The country's soda ash imports total 15,000/tpy. (whole item)