US tariffs on European imports are nothing new. In the past, trade tensions between the United States and the European Union have led to protectionist measures with significant impacts on Italian exports. One only needs to recall the Boeing-Airbus dispute, which lasted for 17 years and resulted in the introduction of customs tariffs on numerous Italian agri-food products, severely harming Made in Italy while boosting the spread of Italian Sounding products in foreign markets.
Today, the risk of new tariffs is once again alarming the Italian agri-food sector, with potentially severe consequences for our producers. Following the tariffs imposed by the US on steel and aluminum and the EU’s countermeasures, the situation could worsen further with new measures announced by the American administration. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti highlighted the uncertainty of the current situation, stressing that an escalation of the trade war could particularly affect Italian products that are highly competitive in terms of quality-price ratio, while sparing luxury niche goods.
ITALIAN PRODUCTS AT RISK
A study by Nomisma for Cia-Agricoltori Italiani analyzed possible scenarios in the event of an intensification of the US-EU trade war. The most exposed products would be:
- Pecorino Romano: widely consumed in the US, especially grated, making it easily replaceable with local alternatives.
- Olive oil, vinegars, and apple cider: increased trade barriers could make them less competitive.
- Mid-range PDO wines, such as Prosecco: particularly vulnerable since they represent a significant share of Italian wine exports to the US. According to the Unione Italiana Vini, 98% of Italian bottles exported to the US would be affected.
THE COSTS OF THE TRADE WAR
With a 25% tariff, losses for the Italian wine sector could reach €470 million in the US market alone, while the total impact on global agri-food exports could approach €1 billion. This is a worrying figure, considering that over the last ten years, Italian agri-food exports to the US have grown by 158%, reaching €7.8 billion in 2024.
THE RESPONSE OF ITA0039
In an increasingly unstable context, defending Made in Italy is a top priority. ITA0039 by ASACERT continues to play a crucial role in protecting and promoting authentic Italian products, combating the Italian Sounding phenomenon, and ensuring consumers worldwide have informed access to real Italian goods. Thanks to ITA0039 certification and its dedicated app, consumers can confidently recognize and choose authentic products, avoiding imitations.
However, it is worth noting that demand for Italian products in the US remains exceptionally high. The American market has always been fascinated by Made in Italy and shows no signs of slowing down in terms of interest and appreciation for Italian goods. Any supply difficulties will not lead to a drop in demand but could instead encourage the further spread of Italian Sounding products, taking advantage of the limited availability of original items.
This is precisely where ITA0039 by ASACERT comes into play, acting as a safeguard against food counterfeiting and a guarantee for both consumers and commercial operators. Through a strict certification system, ITA0039 serves as a bulwark for the authenticity of Made in Italy, protecting both producers and consumers from the distortions of the global market.
The fight to defend Made in Italy goes beyond certifications: it requires a joint effort between institutions, producers, and associations to counter punitive tariffs and ensure a strong future for Italian agri-food exports in international markets.
