Economía began to summon companies to renew the program until the end of the year. The flexibilities that are discussed and the difficulties that some firms pose in accessing tax relief.
The Secretariat of Commerce began the negotiation stage with large food companies to implement the last section of the Fair Prices program during 2023. Although Companies will agree to discuss the proposed 5% increase patternpoint out that not all of them manage to apply the tax benefits that the Government offers as a counterpart to the agreement.
In the midst of a price increase that has been reaching double digits for two consecutive months, the secretariat led by Matías Tombolini has already begun to summon companies of food and hygiene and cleaning items to agree on a path of increases for December 31.
Current inflation appears, as is customary in these negotiations, as the main obstacle to agreeing on a path of increases. However, The companies consulted by Ámbito assure that “they have no option” but to accept the agreement. Firstly, because it is a program applied nationally and in the main supermarket chains. Second, because the AFIP shows intense compliance control activity in large establishments. Third, because representatives of food companies recognize that the good election of Sergio Massa in the general elections points to a next government that will give continuity to Fair Prices, this time with greater political strength. “There is a significant delay, but what are you going to do in this context?” asks a source from the sector, and explains: “The accumulated costs are much higher than what we were allowed to increase in these months.”
That is why the same food companies admit that Commerce makes the negotiations a little more flexible on this point. “Fair Price policies are signed forward, so they allow the price to be adjusted initially,” exemplifies a food company, in dialogue with Ámbito. “The other alternative is to change the program products for others that do not affect the financial health of the company so much, because they do not have as much turnover,” she adds.
Another issue that worries the companies consulted has to do with the application of tax benefits that the Government offers as counterpart to what was agreed. Among other points, it undertakes to suspend the payment of taxes for the purchase of foreign currency for import, reduce to 0% the withholding rate for merchandise sold within Mercosur, a special regime of payment facilities to cancel previous export duties and the extension of the expiration of VAT and social security contributions. In turn, and exceptionally, SMEs that supply supermarkets are offered credit at a subsidized rate.
To use the benefits, companies must leave their commitment to the voluntary pricing agreement in writing. However, a multinational company says that it is not covered by these items “due to tax and compliance issues.” Another alcoholic beverage company warns of going through the same situation: “Due to audit issues and internal policies, we cannot take the benefits.” In turn, a food company confesses that it is difficult to sign the agreement “because with this inflation and such a devaluation in August, no one wants to put in writing that prices cannot be increased by more than 5%.” Contrary to versions from the private sector, the Ministry of Commerce confirms that to apply the tax reductions “you have to sign,” which approximately 179 companies out of 198 in total did, according to its data.
Although companies and suppliers have their objections, all the entities consulted confirm that the program has a high level of compliance and the conversations with Tombolini are constant and “viable.” However, they warn that the possible arrival of Javier Milei to the government would ruin Fair Prices: “If the program is not supervised, with a new government it will fall on deaf ears,” warns a supermarket owner.
Source: Ambito
