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Saint Lucia plans to eliminate VAT on up to 70 essential food items to reduce costs and counter rising food prices, following recent removal of a 6% service charge on price-controlled goods.
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The VAT reduction, expected to cut retail prices by at least 12.5%, will apply after legislation passes in July; discussions are ongoing with the business sector to finalize implementation.
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The move has sparked mixed reactions, with critics accusing the government of election-driven timing, noting that action is being taken only months before the 2026 general elections.
Source: associatestimes.com
