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7% tax increase on beauty products: surge in prices for items such as lipstick, nail polish, mascara, eyeliner

In the bustling port city of Karachi, women are expressing dismay over the impending surge in prices for essential makeup items, prompted by the government’s decision to augment taxes on cosmetics in the FY2024 budget.

The anticipated rise in costs for eyeliner, blush, face powder, foundation, mascara, lipstick, and nail polish has sparked concerns among consumers who rely on these products for their daily beauty regimens.

The proposed budget outlines a 5 to 7 percent tax escalation on various facial and beauty-enhancing products, further exacerbating the financial strain on consumers already grappling with economic challenges. This impending tax hike has sent ripples of apprehension through the city’s shopkeepers, who foresee a potential downturn in sales if prices surge as anticipated.

Shop proprietors underscore the direct correlation between any rise in costs attributable to heightened taxes and the subsequent impact on consumer affordability and purchasing power.

“If the goods become more expensive, naturally the sales will also decrease,” remarked one shopkeeper, succinctly encapsulating the anxieties prevalent among local businesses.

Amidst these concerns, there is a growing chorus of voices advocating for a reevaluation of the tax hike on decorative items. Proponents of this stance argue that relief measures should be implemented to safeguard continued access to essential beauty products for consumers, particularly those belonging to economically vulnerable segments of society.

As women voice their apprehensions over the anticipated surge in makeup prices, it becomes increasingly evident that the ramifications of this fiscal decision extend beyond mere economic considerations.

For many individuals, particularly those reliant on these products for self-expression and confidence-building, the impending price hike threatens to impede their ability to maintain their preferred beauty routines.

In light of these concerns, there is a pressing need for policymakers to engage in a dialogue with stakeholders from both the business community and civil society to explore viable solutions that balance fiscal imperatives with the imperative of ensuring continued accessibility to essential beauty products.

Only through collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the concerns of all stakeholders can a more equitable and sustainable approach to taxation in the cosmetic industry be forged, one that prioritizes affordability and accessibility for consumers while also fostering a conducive environment for business growth and economic prosperity.

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