Haddad discusses measures with the chemical sector to recover competitiveness.

247 - In a move that reinforces the search for structural solutions for the industry, representatives of the chemical sector and union leaders met this Friday (22), in São Paulo, with the Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad. The meeting focused on the presentation of Bill 892/25, which creates the Special Program for the Sustainability of the Chemical Industry (Presiq), authored by Congressman Afonso Motta (PDT-RS). The proposal is being processed in the Chamber of Deputies under urgency procedures.

According to information from the Brazilian Chemical Industry Association (Abiquim), which participated in the hearing, the objective was to present the current scenario of the sector and defend the need for policies that guarantee competitiveness. The chemical industry, one of the three largest contributors of federal taxes and the second largest in salaries paid in the country, generated an additional R$ 5,8 billion for the government in 2024 with the resumption of the Special Regime for the Chemical Industry (Reiq).

Representatives also acknowledged recent measures taken by the Executive branch, such as the inclusion of chemical products in the List of Exceptions to the Common External Tariff in 2024, an action that helped reduce pressure from imports and boosted domestic production. Even so, the sector warned of persistent challenges, such as low utilization of installed capacity and international competition considered unfair.

The meeting was attended by the CEO of Abiquim, André Passos Cordeiro, the entity's vice president of operations and compliance, Yhebert Gouveia Afonso, and the institutional relations manager, Marcelo Pimentel. Also participating were the president of the National Confederation of the Chemical Sector (CNQ/CUT), Geralcino Teixeira, and the secretary-general of the National Secretariat of Chemical Workers of Força Sindical, Herbert Passos Filho. Representing the Ministry of Finance, in addition to Haddad, were the Secretary of Economic Policy, Guilherme Mello, the Special Secretary of the Federal Revenue, Robinson Barreirinhas, and the Secretary of the National Treasury, Rogério Ceron.

Scenario and proposal of Presiq

Despite the progress, the chemical industry is experiencing a delicate moment. “The sector is operating at only 64% of its production capacity, the lowest level in history, and recorded a trade deficit of US$48,7 billion in 2024,” stated André Passos of Abiquim. He highlighted that the share of imported products in the national market has almost doubled in just over two decades, jumping from 21% in 2000 to 49% in 2024. “Furthermore, the price of natural gas is also hindering the sector's development,” he added.

The Presiq program aims to address these challenges through tax incentives linked to sustainability goals. The program has two main focuses: maintaining the core industry and investments aimed at modernization and decarbonization. By 2029, it is estimated that the initiative could inject R$ 112 billion into GDP, generate 1,7 million direct and indirect jobs, increase tax revenue by R$ 65,5 billion, and reduce carbon emissions per ton produced by 30%, in addition to increasing the utilization of installed capacity to up to 95%.

Commitment of the Treasury

At the end of the meeting, Fernando Haddad reiterated that the government has been closely monitoring the situation of the industry. The minister stated that the Finance Ministry will conduct a detailed technical study on the Presiq program to inform future discussions. A new round of discussions is scheduled to take place soon in Brasília.