SAO PAULO, May 20 (Reuters) - Chinese e-commerce

retailer Temu has been certified for a tax benefit program by

Brazil's government that exempts goods up to $50 from import

fees, according to the country's federal revenue office's

website on Monday, bringing the company closer to expanding its

business to Latin America's largest economy.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Inclusion in Brazil's tax exemption program "Remessa

Conforme" is an advantage most cross-border retailers have in

the country. Local media have reported Temu has been preparing

the groundwork to enter Brazilian markets for a few months,

although little detail is known so far.

CONTEXT

Temu is a popular shopping app from China's Pinduoduo

. Its rivals Shein, from China, and Shopee, owned by

Singapore's Sea, are already huge online shopping

platforms in Brazil.

THE RESPONSE

Temu did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for

comment. Its Brazilian website address said on Monday that

Temu's services should be available "soon" in the South American

country.