Salta Province Keeps Banana Import Controls While Defending Tax Reductions

Governor Gustavo Sáenz of Salta and Governor Carlos Sadir of Jujuy announced they will maintain phytosanitary controls on banana imports after the national government lifted several sanitary regulations. They said the measures protect regional banana production and the local economy, and they have engaged national authorities, including the Ministry of Production and Mining, INTA and SENASA, to coordinate the response.

Economy Minister Roberto Dib Ashur of Salta highlighted the province’s fiscal balance, noting that recent tax cuts and the elimination of dozens of minor taxes have reduced the burden on small and medium‑size businesses. However, he warned that the Gross Income tax (Ingresos Brutos) still provides about 90% of provincial revenue and cannot be removed. The ministry outlined differentiated rates and exemptions for key sectors such as agriculture, mining, travel agencies, industry, construction, commerce, hotels and restaurants, benefitting roughly 95% of affected taxpayers, and said a further extension of the reductions is under review.