The Prime Minister of Japan announced on Thursday a temporary reduction in the consumption tax on food from the current 8% to just 1%, starting next April. This measure is being taken by the government administration in an attempt to cope with rising inflation.
As Sanae Takaichi informed journalists, this will be the first such reduction since the tax was introduced in 1989. The set rate will return to the previous 8% after two years. The government plans to introduce a program in April called 'reducing our tax on food and beverages to 1% for two years.'
The main goal of this step is to ease the pressure on the cost of living in the world's fourth-largest economy. Price increases are attributed to the war in the Middle East and the weakening yen. However, this decision is made against the backdrop of concerns about Japan's massive debts, which exceed twice its gross domestic product, the highest figure among developed economies.
According to Takaichi, after the two-year reduction period, the rate will be restored in 2029. This will coincide with the introduction of more 'thorough subsidies' aimed at low-income workers who are burdened by rising insurance premiums. Media estimates suggest that the two-year break will lead to a loss of tax revenue amounting to 10 trillion yen ($61 billion).
Earlier in February, Takaichi had promised to completely abolish the tax on food and beverages, which was a key part of her election platform. On Thursday, she stated that the government would study other options, such as reviewing tax relief measures and subsidy programs, to compensate for the lost revenue. Meanwhile, the administration intends to 'ensure financing without relying on special government bonds to gain market confidence.'
Samsung Electronics released its financial results for the second quarter of 2026 this Thursday, July 30th, revealing an unprecedented outcome: the mobile device division operated at a loss for the first time in its history.
The official report indicates a loss of 800 billion won, equivalent to approximately R$ 2.8 billion. This negative result was mainly attributed to the sharp increase in component costs, a direct reflection of global growth driven by artificial intelligence.
The figures demonstrate the impact of this new dynamic, especially in the MX category, which covers the development and commercialization of cell phones, tablets, and wearable devices. Although the consumer market showed good acceptance of recent launches, such as the top-of-the-line models from the Galaxy S26 family and the new generation of foldables, like the Galaxy Z Fold 8, the operating profit of the mobile sector dropped drastically.
The financial difficulty arose because assembling the devices became significantly more expensive compared to the previous year. The rapid advancement in server and data center development focused on AI forced the technology industry to deplete memory chip stocks at an accelerated rate. This combination of high demand and limited supply raised the prices of these components.
Samsung clarified that premium segment products, such as the Galaxy S26 Ultra, managed to maintain good profitability performance. However, the financial problem was concentrated in the base and middle of the portfolio, where the increase in internal part costs eroded profitability, a category that already operates with reduced margins.
This scenario of pressure on the supply chain led the global cell phone market to its worst moment in 13 years. To try to mitigate this unprecedented loss, Samsung plans to change its sales strategy, focusing on the commercialization of 'high value-added products' aimed at boosting growth and restoring profitability in the coming quarters.
In practice, due to the increased cost of the production line, consumers should expect higher prices for smartphones in the coming months, a move that tends to affect other brands in the sector. Experts point out that this inflation will impact lower-income buyers more, with devices sold in the US$ 200 to US$ 500 range (approximately R$ 1,000 to R$ 2,500) being the most likely to undergo adjustments.
In contrast to the difficulties of the cell phone line, the Device Solutions (DS) Division presented a completely opposite picture. The sector responsible for manufacturing memory chips registered a notable growth of 56% in sales compared to the previous quarter.
The memory segment achieved a historic feat, breaking records for both quarterly revenue and operating profit—generating profit precisely from the sale of components that raised the costs in the mobile market. The strong performance of the hardware sector boosted an unprecedented quarter for the company.
Overall, Samsung achieved a record consolidated revenue of 171.5 trillion won (surpassing R$ 605 billion), representing a significant increase of 28% compared to the previous year, setting the highest quarterly value in its history. Furthermore, the company's operating profit reached the historic mark of 89.5 trillion won (equivalent to R$ 316 billion).
The seven-seater Kia Sorento SUV has had its price reduced by R$ 55 thousand since January. The vehicle, which was launched in January at the price of R$ 399,990, now costs R$ 344,990, keeping the engine, version, and equipment unchanged.
This is the second price decrease in less than three months. Initially, in May, the manufacturer applied a launch promotion, cutting the value by R$ 40 thousand, to R$ 359,990. The current discount of R$ 15 thousand represents the new official price of the car, and not just a temporary offer.
The justification for the cuts may be linked to registration records. Between February and April, the Sorento registered only 32 units licensed in the country, a volume that prevented it from being classified in the top 40 best-selling SUVs, according to data provided by Fenabrave. In comparison, the Toyota SW4 led the seven-seater segment in the accumulated year with 4,469 units, followed by the GWM Haval H9, with 3,646 units.
With the price adjustment, the Sorento has changed its main competitors. Previously, at the price of R$ 399,990, it competed with the Toyota SW4, whose entry version starts at R$ 424 thousand, and with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, starting at R$ 422 thousand. Now, with the price of R$ 344,990, it approaches the GWM Haval H9, sold in a single version for R$ 335 thousand, and this latter model is the one that has grown the most in the sector this year.
There is a relevant structural distinction between the models: the three rivals use a body-on-frame chassis, characterizing the traditional architecture of SUVs focused on off-road use. The Sorento, however, has a unibody structure with independent suspension on all four wheels, a system optimized to provide greater comfort on asphalt pavement. With the withdrawal of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which was disapproved by Proconve L8, the Sorento became the only monocoque diesel alternative in the category.
The EX version, which is the only one available, is equipped with the 2.2 turbodiesel Smartstream engine. This engine generates 194 horsepower at 3,800 rpm and produces 45 kgfm of torque between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. The vehicle features an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and AWD all-wheel drive, as well as specific modes for snow, mud, and sand.
In terms of dimensions, the Sorento measures 4.81 meters in length and 2.81 meters in wheelbase, being about 6 cm longer than the SW4. Cargo space ranges from 179 liters with all three rows used, up to 608 liters in the five-seater configuration, and can reach 1,996 liters when all seats are folded down. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, two 12.3-inch monitors, 360° cameras, and six airbags.
This discount occurs at a time of brand restructuring in the country. Kia's headquarters is negotiating the assumption of the Brazilian operation starting in 2027, which will mark the end of a 34-year partnership with Grupo Gandini. The importer confirmed that talks are underway, but stressed that no final decision has been made.
For those planning to purchase a new printer or replace an old, problematic device, this is an opportune time to conduct research. Three options for multifunction printers available on sale on Amazon have been selected, offering printing, copying, and scanning features in a single device, along with Wi-Fi connectivity and a good balance between cost and benefit.
The Epson Ecotank L3250 is highlighted as one of the most popular multifunction printers in the Brazilian market. This model uses the ink tank system, which eliminates the dependence on cartridges and results in a significant reduction in cost per page over time. Its functionality includes Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing direct printing from mobile phones or notebooks without the need for cables, and it has a bivolt design to be compatible with any outlet in Brazil.
The HP DeskJet Ink Advantage 2975 is presented as a compact and affordable alternative, ideal for home users or small offices. It performs color printing, copying, and scanning functions, and the HP Ink Advantage program ensures good cartridge longevity. It is a simple and straightforward model.
Another option is the HP Smart Tank 589, which also adopts the ink tank system, aiming to provide great daily savings. Integrating Wi-Fi and USB connection, it adapts well to work environments that require high printing volume without drastically increasing refill costs. Furthermore, this device also functions as a color copier and scanner.
It is important to note that electronics promotions on Amazon are subject to rapid changes, and stock and conditions may change at any moment. If any of these models have sparked interest, it is recommended to visit the link immediately to check availability and make a purchase.
