The Italian cured meats sector faces unprecedented challenges due to African Swine Fever and rising costs: ASSICA asks the government for urgent interventions and support measures to relaunch exports and protect businesses
The Italian cured meats sector is facing a serious economic crisis, aggravated by the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has led to the loss of 20 million euros per month in exports since January 2022. The disease, which only affects animals and has no cure or vaccine, has pushed many countries to block imports of Italian cured meats, creating a spiral of rising raw material prices and difficulties for manufacturing companies.
Lorenzo Beretta, President of ASSICA, asks the government for urgent intervention, with extraordinary resources to finance actions to eradicate PSA and restore the competitiveness of Italian companies. Furthermore, Beretta underlines the need to reduce VAT on cured meats from 10% to 4%, to relieve pressure on consumers and stimulate domestic consumption.
Finally, Beretta highlights the importance of supporting exports, proposing a tax credit for investments needed to adapt production plants to the demands of foreign markets. This support is crucial to allow companies to continue to develop, despite the difficulties caused by PSA and the current economic context.
