The Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Services of Tarija (Caincotar) proposes to the central government to inject liquidity of $4 billion to avoid the deep economic recession caused by the coronavirus. It is 10% of the GDP, which is $41.17 billion. To do so, they suggest managing the funds before international organizations, such as the CAF, IMF, World Bank, IDB, Fonplata and others; in addition to requesting the cancellation of bilateral and multilateral debts or deferring payment to creditors to incorporate this money into the country's economy.
Day: Apr 3, 2020
State loses $4.97 mn in March due to imports of inputs for COVID-19
The country stopped receiving Bs 34.6 million ($4.97 million) in March due to the zero tariff on imports of inputs and products aimed at combating the advance of the coronavirus. Besides, National Customs will not collect taxes on these goods until December 31, in compliance with Supreme Decree 4192. The Customs Office has carried out 294 dispatches since the decree was issued and activity has increased by 400%, as more importers are engaged in the importation of medical supplies.
35% reduction in gas export revenues expected by 2020
An analysis prepared by the consulting firm Gas Energy Latin America (GELA) projects a reduction in revenue from gas exports to Brazil and Argentina of approximately 35% compared with 2019. The drop in international oil prices is the main reason. It proposes that YPFB sign not one, but several interruptible contracts with distribution and thermoelectric companies in Brazil to alleviate the revenue issue. YPFB reported that it has a surplus of between 2 and 4 million cubic metres which will be sold through new export contracts to be signed in the coming weeks.
Bonds will come from savings of $300 mn from the fuel subsidy
In the last four months, about Bs 2.1 billion ($300 million) was not spent, first because of lower fuel imports and then because of optimization in the oil sector. These savings will cover bonds totalling approximately Bs 1.7 billion ($244.25 mn), between the family basket, the family bond, and the payment of electricity, water and gas.
Bolivia: imports as of February 2020
During the first two months of 2020, Bolivia's imports totalled $1.39 billion, 19% less than in the same period of 2019, and the volume fell by 20%. About 69% of external purchases represent industrial supplies, capital goods and transportation equipment. The fuel and lubricants category recorded the most significant decline, with 52% in value and 49% in volume.