Italian wine and olive oil producers are facing major financial losses after the United States imposed a 15% tariff on several key Italian food products. The new tariffs, which took effect on August 7, 2025, are part of a broader trade policy introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration. According to data from QuiFinanza, the sectors most affected include wine, extra virgin olive oil, and pasta. These products have long been considered symbols of Italian excellence abroad.
The United States is the largest non-European market for Italian food exports. In 2024, exports to the U.S. reached nearly 8 billion euros. This strong commercial relationship has not only been important for Italy’s economy but has also served as a global showcase for its food products.
Economic reports show that the wine sector is particularly vulnerable, with potential losses from tariffs estimated at 290 million euros. Extra virgin olive oil could see an additional burden of over 140 million euros, while pasta exports may face increased costs of almost 74 million euros. The first signs of trouble appeared in June 2025, when Italian agri-food exports to the U.S. dropped by 2.9%. This was the first negative result since September 2023. Earlier in the year, export growth had slowed from 11% in January to just 1.3% in April and 0.4% in May before turning negative in June.
The impact of these tariffs is being felt across Italy, with some regions more exposed than others. For example, the province of Lucca exports about 700 million euros worth of goods to the United States each year, accounting for 8% of Tuscany’s total exports. Of this amount, 37% comes from the agri-food sector, making Lucca especially vulnerable to changes in U.S. trade policy.
Italian products have faced similar challenges before. Parmigiano Reggiano cheese has been subject to a 15% tariff in the U.S. since 1964. Other sectors such as steel and aluminum have faced even higher tariffs, up to 50%. These longstanding barriers have forced Italian producers to adapt their strategies over time.
The current situation raises concerns about losing market share to international competitors. Spanish and Chilean wine producers, as well as Greek and Moroccan olive oil exporters, could strengthen their positions in the American market at Italy’s expense. The effects go beyond individual companies and affect the entire supply chain—from farmers and processors to distributors and logistics providers. Every euro lost in exports means less income for hundreds of thousands of workers in rural areas and specialized districts.
Industry groups are calling for government action on two fronts: financial support through tax credits and incentives for affected businesses, and stronger efforts by the European Commission to negotiate with Washington for fairer trade terms. They argue that without intervention, Italy risks losing its competitive edge in one of its most important export markets.
The new tariffs have sparked debate among policymakers and business leaders about how best to protect Italy’s food industry from external shocks. As negotiations continue between Europe and the United States, many are watching closely to see if a compromise can be reached that will safeguard Italian producers and preserve their presence on American tables.
Dining and Cooking