The prospect of new US tariffs on European Union food products has sent alarm bells ringing throughout Italy’s agricultural sector.
A prominent Italian farmers’ lobby is warning that such measures would inflict “billions of dollars of damage” on the country’s cherished exports, including iconic delicacies like Parma ham and Prosecco wine.
President Trump has pledged to impose tariffs on the EU and other nations in response to perceived trade imbalances with the United States.
The implementation of new 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, as well as 20% duties on Chinese goods, has heightened concerns about the potential for similar actions against European products.
Cristiano Fini, president of the farmers’ lobby CIA, which represents 650,000 members and 170,000 companies, expressed grave concerns about the potential impact of these policies.
He told Reuters that “Billions of dollars of damage are foreseen for Italian food, hurting not only our country, but also the wallets of Americans who buy our excellence and recognise its quality and uniqueness.”
The irreplaceable charm of ‘Made in Italy’
Fini further emphasized the unique character and quality of Italian agricultural products, asserting that “Trump’s farmers will never be able to produce Grana Padano (cheese), Parma ham, Pecorino Romano (cheese), Prosecco, Brunello and all the Made in Italy products.”
This sentiment reflects a deep-seated pride in Italy’s culinary heritage and a belief that its products are simply not replicable elsewhere.
In 2024, Italy’s food exports to the US reached a substantial value of approximately 7.8 billion euros ($8.22 billion), highlighting the importance of the American market for Italian producers.
Italy reported an overall trade surplus with the United States last year of 39 billion euros.
The US is by far the top non-EU destination for Italian products and the second overall behind Germany, solidifying its position as a critical trading partner.
In response to the looming threat, Fini urged EU member states to take “diplomatic action and a major countermove to counter the disruptive effect of US duties on all EU products.”
This call for a unified response underscores the seriousness with which Italian farmers view the potential imposition of US tariffs.
A cautious approach: Meloni seeks to avert trade war
Last week, Italian business lobby Confindustria condemned Trump’s tariff policy as an attack on EU industry and its workforce, advocating for a robust reaction.
However, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a fellow conservative who has cultivated a positive personal relationship with Trump, has adopted a more cautious stance.
While acknowledging that the tariff threats run against Italy’s national interest, she has also cautioned against initiating a trade war between the EU and the United States.
The situation presents a delicate balancing act for Italy, as it seeks to protect its vital agricultural exports while maintaining its strategic relationship with the United States.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether a trade war can be averted or whether Italian producers will face significant economic hardship as a result of US tariff policies.
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