The organisation’s deputy secretary general, Enrico Fabretti, told GlobalMeatNews: “This decision further undermines the competitiveness of the EU meat processing industry in a time of economic crisis.
“European meat processing companies have already been confronted with increasingly growing prices for raw material for several months and maintaining a good level of exports is key for the survival of many small and medium meat processing enterprises.”
Fabretti added that the move put at stake the economic viability of the entire European pig meat chain, as 60% of pork products made in the EU are exported to third countries for a value of over Eur720m.
“The sudden elimination of export refunds will have a negative impact on a number of meat processing companies as contracts cannot be adapted to the new situation from one day to another. In view of the huge financial losses expected, CLITRAVI urges the European Commission and the member states to reconsider their decision,” he said.