Brazil has this week confirmed that it will reduce to zero the import tax tariffs placed on certain foods in a bid to tackle rising food price inflation.

The south American country's Foreign Trade Chamber (Camex) agreed to the emergency measures, which were first mooted on March 6.

The import tax exemptions apply to 11 food staples, including frozen boneless beef products, roasted coffee, coffee beans, corn grain (except for sowing), olive oil, sugar, cookies, pasta and sardines.

The measures came into effect on Friday (March 14) and are expected to remain in place for as long as necessary to reduce food prices.

Brazilian President Lula da Silva has instructed the government to implement initiatives that can contribute to increasing the supply of food and reducing market prices.

The president's decision is aimed at protecting low-income families in particular, who can spend up to 40% of their income on food.

Camex said that the temporary tariff reduction could allow for the importation of selected products at lower costs, increase the availability of these items in the domestic market and minimize the risk of shortages.

With the greater supply of selected products in Brazil at zero taxes, the decision also seeks to inhibit price increases, contributing to meeting the inflation target.

The Brazilian government said that the measure will be accompanied by "other structural actions, preserving the sustainability of the domestic production chain".