Italy turns to EU for trade relief

Concerns over the impact of American tariffs on Italian agri-food businesses and the need to speed up free trade agreements with Mercosur and India have brought Italian trade associations and the European Union together for direct talks. The meetings took place in Rome at the Ministry of Agriculture and at Villa Madama, home to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Present were Italian ministers Francesco Lollobrigida and Antonio Tajani, European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič, and key representatives from Italy’s food and wine sectors.

The discussions focused on the challenges facing Italian exports, especially wine, which has been hit hard by U.S. tariff policies. The United States is a major market for Italian wine, spirits, and vinegar, with annual exports valued at around 2.5 billion euros. The threat of renewed or increased tariffs has raised concerns among producers about their competitiveness and future growth in the American market.

Commissioner Šefčovič’s visit was seen as an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic efforts both with the U.S. administration and within ongoing negotiations between the EU and Mercosur countries. Italian industry leaders hope that the European Commission can act as a mediator to persuade Washington to withdraw or reduce tariffs on European wines and other products. They argue that such tariffs not only harm Italian and European businesses but also negatively affect the American supply chain. According to Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), every dollar invested in European wines generates an additional $4.50 for the U.S. economy.

Frescobaldi emphasized the importance of keeping wine at the center of U.S.-EU trade relations, noting that declining sales in America are becoming more evident. He called for continued diplomatic engagement and thanked both Italian ministers and Commissioner Šefčovič for their efforts so far. Frescobaldi expressed hope that these talks would lead to extraordinary commitment from both the Italian government and the European Commission as negotiations continue.

Piero Mastroberardino, vice president of Federvini, echoed these sentiments, describing the United States as an irreplaceable partner for Italy’s wine, spirits, and vinegar sectors. He stressed the need to maintain a positive dialogue with American counterparts to expand the list of tariff-exempt goods and prevent new duties that could damage Italian businesses. Mastroberardino also highlighted the importance of free trade agreements as tools for growth and diversification, provided they include clear rules that protect Italy’s unique products.

Regarding the EU-Mercosur agreement, Mastroberardino said that while progress has been made in negotiations, it remains essential to ensure effective protection for Italy’s Geographical Indications (GIs) and Denominations of Origin (DOs). These designations are seen as vital expressions of Italy’s identity and production value.

The meetings in Rome were organized by the Italian government in response to growing pressure from industry groups concerned about international trade tensions. Both UIV and Federvini expressed satisfaction with the quality of dialogue established with national authorities and EU representatives. They see these discussions as crucial steps toward safeguarding Italy’s agri-food sector in a rapidly changing global market.

As talks continue at both national and European levels, Italian producers are looking for concrete actions to secure their position abroad. The outcome of these negotiations will likely shape the future of Italy’s exports not only to the United States but also to emerging markets covered by new trade agreements. For now, industry leaders remain focused on diplomacy as their main tool for protecting one of Italy’s most important economic sectors.