The data arises from a calculation by the ASU, which requires greater controls from the government for the entry of contraband into Uruguay.
Sales in supermarkets Uruguay located in border areas with Argentina fell a 40%, according to an estimate of the Association of Supermarkets of Uruguay (ASU), who attribute the situation on the coast to the exchange difference and the price gap that exists with the neighboring country.
chains of supermarkets They warned about the situation through a statement and recalled that sales in the sector at a general level have not recovered since July 2020. To reverse the situation, they demand that the government carry out greater controls, both at border crossings and in informal businesses.
Daniel Menéndez, president of the ASU, clarified in dialogue with Telemundo that the impact on sales “covers the entire country”, although he admitted that it occurs to a greater extent at the border “because the price distortion is larger”. And he warned that, among the partners of that entity, “the average gives a 40% drop about the sales”.
They demand greater controls to prevent smuggling
For all this, Menendez he asked the government for greater control measures to prevent smuggling. Along these lines, he requested that there be stronger operations at border crossings, but also called for inspection teams to visit “informal businesses throughout the country that sell products of dubious origin.”
Along the same lines, the supermarket demanded that the measures taken by the administration headed by President Luis Lacalle Pou be for everyone equally “and not only for small merchants”. In turn, he expressed his concern about the affectation that can occur in employment in the area of the coast.
Uruguayans keep choosing to go to Argentina because of the price gap
By putting yourself in the shoes of consumers, Menendez He cleared them of some kind of responsibility. “Families cannot be asked to pay 100 pesos when it comes out on the other side 30 pesos the same product”, he admitted. In any case, he insisted that the authorities get him to enter Uruguay “only what is allowed.”
It is worth remembering that in the last monthly report “Consumption habits of Salteños on the border” prepared by the Catholic University of Uruguay, he 88% of Salteños admitted having left the country to make purchases. Among them, a 61% He does it biweekly, with a 18% which carries it out on a monthly basis.
Food and beverages appeared among the most required items, since the 100% of Salta residents admitted in the survey that they take the opportunity to purchase this type of product. Meanwhile, a 89% also refuels and a 80% He also spends his money on gastronomy.
Source: Ambito
