Prosecco Imports to US Surge Amid Tariff Concerns Under Trump's Second Term

In November, American imports of Prosecco surged by 41%, according to the Union of Italian Wines. This increase comes as US distributors prepare for potential tariffs on European wine under President Trump's administration. Trump secured a second presidential term on November 5, winning 312 electoral votes against Kamala Harris' 226. Following his victory, Trump described it as a "magnificent victory" and claimed a strong mandate from the American people.

The spike in Prosecco imports indicates that both US importers and Italian producers are concerned about possible tariffs on European goods. Their caution is justified, as Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese products shortly after taking office. Italy exports nearly a quarter of its wine to the US, making the sector vulnerable to tariff increases. Last year, Italian wine exports to the US were valued at €1.9 billion (US$1.97 billion).

Data shows that importers began increasing Prosecco shipments to the US well before Trump's election. From January to October 2024, shipments rose by 17%, outpacing the 0.6% growth in US Prosecco consumption. This suggests that importers are stockpiling to avoid future shortages. Giancarlo Guidolin, president of Prosecco DOC, noted the unexpected increase in warehouse stock.

Interestingly, the rise in Prosecco imports contradicts findings from the latest Silicon Valley Bank Wine Report. Released in January 2025, the report highlighted that the US wine trade has struggled with excess inventory for years. Surplus stock from the Covid-19 pandemic has left US retailers hesitant to acquire more inventory. The report stated that clearing this backlog and returning to normal inventory levels could take until 2026.

US importers now face the challenge of finding storage for the additional Prosecco, as current warehouses are already full. They must also ensure that consumer demand will justify the increased stock.