Commerce

President Lula signing a bill to eliminate the tax on small international purchases in the Planalto Palace

Lula signs measure to end 'blusinhas tax' on purchases up to US$50

May 12, 2026 Reported by AI Image generated by AI

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a provisional measure on Tuesday to zero the 20% federal tax on international purchases up to US$50. The decision, announced at the Planalto Palace, takes immediate effect after publication in the Official Gazette. State ICMS tax continues to apply.

Colombian Commercial Confidence Index fell to 20.5% in May

According to Fedesarrollo, the Commercial Confidence Index stood at 20.5% in May 2026, down 1.3 percentage points from April.

Consumers prefer financing purchases instead of spending their bonus

June 23, 2026 Reported by AI

The arrival of the mid-year service bonus boosts consumption but Colombians are choosing to finance purchases to preserve liquidity. Superfinanciera data shows only 35.5% access formal credit even though nine out of ten adults hold financial products.

America

Fenalco reports only 32% of merchants saw higher sales in April

America

Commerce advances Father's Day celebration ahead of runoff

Sports

Colombian brands launch t-shirts inspired by national team

SAE receives 87 requests to close Lili Pink and Yoi stores

The Special Assets Society reported requests to close Lili Pink and Yoi stores following legal proceedings against Fast Moda.

Rappi study shows in-person shopping takes up to 4.5 hours monthly

May 24, 2026 Reported by AI

A Rappi study indicates that in-person food purchases generate hidden costs of up to 15,000 pesos per trip and a loss of between three and 4.5 hours per month compared to apps.

Commercial confidence rises 0.2% in March as industrial falls, Fedesarrollo says

Fedesarrollo's March business opinion survey showed the commercial confidence index at 22.8%, up 0.2 percentage points from February, thanks to reduced inventories. In contrast, the industrial confidence index fell 3.2 points into negative territory amid lower production expectations.

Unilever and Mercado Libre to sell brands like Rexona and Axe in Colombia

April 21, 2026 Reported by AI

Unilever has confirmed a deal with Mercado Libre to bring brands such as Rexona, Axe, Dove and Pond's to the e-commerce platform in Colombia. The partnership responds to a 30% growth in Unilever's digital sales since 2023 and aims to ease access to mass consumer products. Both companies highlight logistical efficiency and shifting Colombian shopping habits.

June 20, 2026 17:41