Italian agriculture in the framework of the new customs tariff

Abstract

In drafting the new Italian Customs Tariff, enacted in July 1950, there can be no doubt that - in the case of agricultural products - reasoned principles of a liberal trend have replaced the former autarkic protectionism, although the inescapable realities and transitional contingencies of the Italian economy have called for limitations of a free trade approach. The present article describes both the steps thus made in reducing the duties as compared to the peaks attained in the thirties, and the meaning and objectives of the protection granted to some branches of agricultural production, operated at higher than international costs, but fundamental for the stability of the Italian social and economic structure. In this regard, wheat farming, sugar-beet crops, olive-oil, and the production of meat and animal fats are specifically considered and their significance and problems outlined.

JEL: F13, Q17