Data from the Tax Authority (SAT) shows that in terms of customs duties $157 million was collected, down by 22% compared to the $202.2 million reported in 2012.

"There has been no improvement and collections continue to decline. The customs issue is worrying and we are alert to the situation of foreign trade," said the chief of Finance, Pavel Centeno.

"It's been four months since the new administration of the SAT started and results are need to be shown. It is not easy and I have repeated to the superintendent that the trend needs to be halted," he added.

The Ministry of Finance projects that revenue this year will be $6.126 billion and further more not less than $6.101 billion. That amount is less than what is projected by the SAT which is $6.202 billion.

"... The decline in tax collection in customs is due to operational factors and not to lower economic activity in the country", reported Prensalibre.com.

Source: prensalibre.com

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