WILLEMSTAD - The Curaçao government is missing out on a significant amount of revenue due to exemptions and zero tariffs. In 2023, the total amount that did not make it into the state treasury was 94.4 million Antillean guilders, according to an overview report from the Curaçao Customs.
The report emphasizes that the revenue loss due to exemptions is a very relevant issue. The goal is to increase revenue, but the country is still leaving a lot of money on the table.
Customs calculations in 2023 show that the loss due to exemptions stood at 93.5 million guilders. In addition, the loss due to zero tariffs was 960,000 guilders, bringing the total to 94.4 million guilders.
Import duties on fish were supposed to generate 98,155 guilders; fruits and vegetables were expected to generate an income of 860,000 guilders. However, they are currently subject to a 0 percent tariff.