Unexpected Union: Lulists and Scholars Agree Against Privileges to Foreign E-commerce

A recent survey reveals a surprising alignment between voters of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Jair Bolsonaro. Both groups demonstrate strong opposition to benefits granted to foreign e-commerce platforms at the expense of Brazilian companies. The “axa das blusinhas”, implemented in 2024, which imposes a 20% tax on imports from international websites, is the focus of this convergence.

National Convergence Against Unfair Competition

A survey conducted by the Locomotiva Institute in December 2025, with 2,500 Brazilians over 18 years old, points out that 81% of Lula and Bolsonaro voters in the second round of 2022 agree that they would not vote for a candidate who defends privileges for foreign companies over domestic ones.

Government Assessment and Public Opinion

The feeling of opposition to benefits for foreign e-commerce remains consistent, regardless of the evaluation of the Lula government. Among those who consider the management bad or bad, 87% support measures to develop the industry and national retail, instead of burdening Brazilian companies compared to foreign ones. Among those who evaluate the government as great or good, the approval rate of this statement is 82%, and 81% among those who consider it regular.

The “Taxa das Blusinhas” and the Brazilian Market

The“ blouse tax, created in 2024, established a tax of 20% on products imported by international websites, mostly Asian. The measure aims to balance competition, since many of these imports entered the country with exemption or reduced taxation, harming retail and domestic industry. Job protection, ensuring a fair competitive environment and increased revenue are central points that unite different political specters in this discussion.

Impact and Future of Regulation

The convergence of opinions on the taxation of foreign e-commerce signals a potential for more pragmatic economic debates in Brazil. The defense of the national productive sector, without tax disadvantages compared to international competitors, seems to be a agenda capable of mobilizing broad consensus in the electorate, transcending party alignments and distinct political evaluations.

Global GWI Study, Jun 2024

• Brazilian is against foreign e-commerce privilege 26/01/2026 (2026 UE Panel, Folha de S.Paulo.
• Lulists and scholarship holders united against privilege of foreign e-commerce, Jornal Digital da Region Oeste.
• Survey reveals convergence of voters against foreign e-commerce privileges, Brazil 247.