The rise in sales in the trade sector in the Easter periodbrought VAT collection for March back into positive territorycompared with the similar period of 2009, with the increasingstanding at 15% and finally indicating an economic rebound.
In January VAT revenues had fallen by 25.8% and by 6.6% inFebruary, with an 11.5% decline recorded in the first quarter ofthe year.
Food producers say VAT collection rose in March only as a result ofEaster sales and expect April sales to be more or less similar tothose recorded in 2009, when Easter was celebrated towards the endof April.
"A rise in consumption is not noticeable at present. Sales went upover the Easter period, but the following week they saw a steepfall due to the low purchasing power," said Mihai Petrea, generalmanager of Lactaprod Braila. His opinion is shared by ConstantinBoromiz, shareholder of Boromir Ramnicu Valcea, one of the biggestproducers in the bakery sector, who believes we will only know inMay if there is a rebound in consumption.
VAT brings the most money to the state budget, but Finance MinisterSebastian Vladescu says we are far from hiking this tax.
"Things are being analysed. As far as I am concerned, we are farfrom hiking the main taxes, i.e. VAT and the flat tax. Hiking taxesright now would not have a positive impact," said Vladescu on ProTV.
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