The Portuguese Meat Industry Association (APIC) is calling for a reduction in the VAT rate on meat products from the current 23% to 6%, a change that could save Portuguese families nearly 80 million euros annually. However, the government has so far shown no interest in this request. APIC argues that meat products should be classified as essential goods and given the reduced VAT rate, in line with other European countries. Currently, processed products of animal origin, such as cheese, are charged a lower VAT rate of 6%, while processed meat products are charged 23%.