Features of the present Italian customs tariff

Abstract

The article begins by recalling the reasons which led the Italian authorities to abandon the tariff of 1921 and to work out a new one in 1950, and which is based on ad valorem duties and follows the technical principals set forth by the Brussels Study Group for the European Customs Union. The new tariff is undoubtedly high; but it was conceived primarily as a ceiling and as a negotiating instrument. In fact, it has never been applied. The reductions which have been conceded by the Italian Government since 1950 have produced a “working tariff” which is on a moderate level. The central part of the article illustrates the many measures taken by the Government to reduce the duties of the “general tariff” and recently, in response to the trade balance crisis, have given rise to strong criticism in business quarters. The last section deals with the iron and steel duties, and with the connected problem of the relationship between the iron and steel industry on the one hand, and the engineering industry on the other.

JEL: F13