Italy's new 2‑euro tax on small parcels from outside the EU, aimed at curbing cheap imports from China, has backfired. Logistic firms now route shipments to Belgium, the Netherlands or Hungary to avoid the fee, reducing cargo volumes at Milan Malpensa and other Italian airports. The measure, introduced by Giorgia Meloni's government, was expected to raise 122 million euros in 2026 and 245 million annually, but early data shows a 36 percent drop in foreign parcels during the first 20 days of January. The tax will not be collected until March and will be applied retroactively, prompting calls from industry groups to suspend or cancel it. Forza Italia has even suggested postponing the tax until July when the EU may introduce a unified 3‑euro fee for all small parcels.

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