New levy on retailers
The coalition party SNS proposed a new special levy on retailers, totaling 2.5% of their net turnover. SNS claims retailers have much higher profit margins compared to food producers. The levy’s intake, some €150m a year, would be used to set up a new marketing fund promoting Slovak farmers and food producers. The levy would be paid by all retailers with stores in at least two districts and food accounting for at least 10% of their sales. Among EU countries, Poland has a similar levy. SNS bypassed the standard comments process when submitting the tax. Analysts warn the new levy will increase food prices.
