ASSICA: Italian cured meat industry under pressure
"The tariff increase represents a significant obstacle for our companies, which already operate in an extremely unstable global context. Both Italian producers and US consumers will suffer the consequences, as they will face an inevitable price increase", commented Lorenzo Beretta, President of ASSICA. "Unlike 2019, when the measures only affected specific types of products, today the customs duty applies to the entire category of cured meats, with a particularly severe impact on raw hams, which constitute the main export item to the US".
This scenario comes amid an already critical situation for the Italian meat and cured meats industry, severely impacted on exports by the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). The resulting health restrictions have led to the closure of key markets such as Japan and China, further reducing international outlet opportunities.
"The United States has proven to be a dynamic and growing market for Italian cured meats in recent years. However, with the introduction of these new barriers, we fear a sharp slowdown, which could bring us back to 2022 export levels", added Beretta . "For a sector already severely challenged by health crises and trade barriers, this measure represents a further blow to absorb".
Further complicating the situation is the persistent weakening of the dollar, which is reducing the competitiveness of Italian products on the US market. If the exchange rate were to remain at unfavorable levels, a potential contraction in exports to the US of up to 10% is estimated, with a potential loss of approximately €25 million for the sector.
"We renew our appeal to Italian and European institutions: we need an urgent discussion with the US authorities and the adoption of concrete measures to support the affected companies and defend the competitiveness of Made in Italy on a global level", the President concluded.
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