Italy: Meat industry calls for tax cuts

Lower VAT and state aid In Italy, meat and sausage producers are also increasingly suffering from the effects of the rampant African swine fever (ASF). Assica has now called on the government to also provide financial support to companies. It is planning to reduce VAT on meat and sausage products from the current 10% to at least 4%. In addition, the association advocates state export promotion to compensate for lost sales due to ASF. You cover the production costs yourself According to the association's president, Lorenzo Beretta, Italian meat and sausage producers have been earning around €20 million less than usual from exports each month since ASF was first detected in January 2022. Many third countries have closed their borders to these products, especially Asian countries, as well as Serbia and Mexico. In addition, there is the persistent increase in raw material prices and growing reluctance on the part of domestic consumers. The rising production costs are currently being ...