Milk producers demanding extension of import levies beyond June 30

Representatives of the dairy industry of Serbia demand that the protection measures – levies on the import of milk and dairy products from the EU states – be kept beyond 30 June 2016 in order to preserve the local base of raw materials and establish a sustainable model for the preservation of the primary production of milk.

On Monday, June 6, the unanimous standpoint of the dairy industry that it is necessary to keep the current regime of protective measures was agreed on at the session of the Dairy Industry Group at CCIS, which consists of the leading dairy manufacturing and processing companies in Serbia.

The loss of the local base of raw materials of the dairy industry puts the local market in danger of becoming dependent on the import of milk and dairy products, which make up around 8.82 of the minimal consumer basket, and 7.02% of the average consumer basket. The increase in milk prices abroad would have a direct influence on the increase in the cost of living in Serbia, estimated the representatives of the local dairy industry.