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R 261800Z OCT 09
FM AMCONSUL SAO PAULO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0007
INFO RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHINGTON DC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SAO PAULO 000624
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EFIN EINV ETRD PGOV PREL BR
SUBJECT: BRAZIL: NEW TAX UNLIKELY TO CURB REAL APPRECIATION
REF: BRASILIA 128; BRASILIA 1099
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Brazilian government's (GoB) October 20
decision to re-impose a two percent tax on financial transactions
(IOF) in order to curb appreciation of the local currency is
unlikely to have a significant impact controlling the Real's rise
or on foreign direct investment. The IOF applies to capital
inflows by foreigners for portfolio investment, including for first
time equity investments, where it could reduce some short-term
inflows. While the decision created some immediate downward
pressure on the Real, in the longer term the move is unlikely to
deter foreign portfolio inflows as Brazil remains an attractive
market with high interest rates. The administration's move was not
carefully coordinated with the Central Bank or Trade Ministry prior
to announcement. The action represents a political response by the
Finance Minister to export sector complaints, but one which is
unlikely to have long-term effects on exchange rates or export
competitiveness. END SUMMARY
NEW "OLD" TAX MEASURE
---------------------
2. (U) Following a 36 percent rise of the Real against the U.S.
dollar this year, and amidst strong complaints from Brazil's
exporters, the GOB announced October 20 the re-imposition of a two
percent per transaction tax on portfolio investment inflows. The
measure, previously limited to fixed income investment and set at
1.5 percent, was suspended in late 2008 when financial flows
reversed during the onset of the global financial crisis. With the
rapid recuperation of the Brazilian economy in 2009, inflows have
returned strongly, particularly in the equity market that now
represents about 65 percent of capital inflows. The GoB decided to
expand the tax to equity investments as well as bank lending,
insurance transactions, and fixed income investment. The IOF does
not apply to direct investment inflows, including earning
retentions by foreign multinationals in Brazil.
UNLIKELY TO CONTROL REAL, BUT COULD HURT LIQUIDITY
--------------------------------------------- -----
3. (SBU) Most of our contacts agree that this measure is unlikely
to curb the currency's appreciation, which is mainly driven by
macroeconomic fundamentals. International Finance Corporation
Country Director Andrew Gunther and Federation of the Industries of
Sao Paulo (FIESP) International Relations Director Mario Marconini
told Econoffs separately October 21 the IOF will have only minimal
effects, such as short-term market volatility, which is likely to
stabilize in the long-run. Brazil's stock exchange, Bovespa, and
the Real experienced some very minor volatility as a result of the
implementation of the IOF, declining by 2.2 and 1.3 percent
respectively the day after the IOF was implemented, only to make-up
all of their losses the following day. Both experts agreed that
tightening fiscal policy would do more to restrain the Real than
the re-implementation of the IOF. Contacts at Brazilian banks
Bradesco and Itau-Unibanco also suggested that the IOF, while only
1.9 percent of federal revenues, could actually serve as an excuse
for the GOB to further delay necessary fiscal reform.
4. (SBU) Consulate contacts such as Bovespa Chairman Arminio Fraga
and Chief Executive Officer Edemir Pinto warn that Bovespa, which
has received USD 23 billion in foreign inflows since January 1,
will be the biggest victim of the IOF. They expressed concern that
SAO PAULO 00000624 002 OF 002
the IOF will effectively export Brazil's equity business to New
York and drain liquidity from Brazil, thereby increasing price
volatility and country risk. Nevertheless, most public criticism
has focused on skepticism the IOF will halt the Real's appreciation
rather than negative implications for investment.
5. (SBU) Central Bank contacts note that Governor Meirelles was
only informed of the measure two hours before it was announced.
The Central Bank does not support the measure as an effective tool,
noting that historically, even with taxes as high as nine percent,
investors both build these taxes into their costs of doing business
and find ways to circumvent the taxes. Trade Minister Miguel Jorge
stated publically that Finance Minister Mantega's suggestion that
the tax would help the export sector was incorrect, as exports are
more dependent on global economic growth than on exchange rates.
Jorge said the tax might help the government with revenue
collection, but would not help the export sector's competitiveness.
Receita Federal (IRS-equivalent) believes the tax could yield an
additional 2 billion reais/year in tax revenues, but Mantega
publicly denied this was the reason for imposing the IOF.
MORE MEASURES TO COME?
----------------------
6. (SBU) Given skepticism about the effectiveness of the IOF,
speculation has already begun that the Finance Ministry will pursue
additional measures to restrain the Real. While President Lula has
not ruled out taking additional steps, Finance Minster Mantega has
so far downplayed likelihood of imposing additional measures such
capital controls on outflows-another area the Central Bank opposes.
Capital controls would be very unpopular with Brazilian industry
and banks, as well as significantly more complicated to enforce.
COMMENT
-------
7. (SBU) Experts' skepticism about the IOF's effectiveness, the
potential harm for equity investments, and indications of weak
interagency coordination within the GOB, suggest the decision to
re-impose the IOF was a political maneuver by the Finance Ministry
rather than a well-coordinated attempt to affect either exchange
rates or Brazil's export position. The lack of consultation with
the private sector or within the GOB suggests that, despite
existence of mechanisms to ensure interagency review and
coordination for trade and investment policy, decisions based on
political factors can still be made quickly, without full
consideration of economic impact. The precipitous (and rescinded)
import licenses decision last year (Ref A) and the proposed oil/gas
exploration legislation (Ref B) could be considered examples. As
Brazil nears the 2010 national elections, the risk of other
politically motivated "band-aid" measures grows. However, it
should be noted that, under Brazilian law, no new measures
affecting the budget (including program funding, minimum wage
increases, pension increases, etc) may be implemented within six
months of the October 2010 elections.
8. (U) This message was coordinated/cleared with Embassy Brasilia.
WHITE
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