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Brazil's higher import tax to boost Braskem's EBITDA as much as $400 mln, analysts say

Brazilian petrochemical manufacturer Braskem might amount to $400 million to its yearly core incomes due to Brazil's choice the day before to briefly raise import tariffs on some chemical items, according to experts.

WHY IT is very important

Braskem is one of the biggest petrochemical producers in Latin America, and is expected to be among the companies benefiting from the step as regional chemical manufacturers have actually complained of losses due to a recent dive in imports.

EXTRA CONTEXT

Brazil's foreign trade chamber chose Wednesday to raise import tariffs for 29 chemical products for a year, while likewise denying the demand to raise the tax on another 33 chemical products.

Brazil's chemical producer lobby group Abiquim, which had requested the hiking of tariffs on the 62 items, welcomed the decision in a statement on Thursday.

The group's head Andre Cordeiro said the products which suffered tariffs walkings represent about 65% of the imports volume from the 62 items asked for.

SECRET QUOTES

Bradesco BBI analysts stated Braskem could amount to $400. million to its yearly profits before interest, taxes,. depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) with the greater tariffs,. depending if the company chooses to pass-through the tax to. rates or gain market share.

Citi analysts estimated Braskem would amount to $300 million. to its annual adjusted EBITDA, including the measure could. potentially help the company to reverse its existing trend of cash. usage.

THE RESPONSE

In a securities filing previously on Thursday, Braskem said the. tariffs included polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC products,. but did not provide a price quote of the impacts in its service.

(source: Reuters)