The value of Italian agri-food exports to the United States has fallen by an estimated €600 million in the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year.
This sharp decline, according to analysis by CIA-Agricoltori Italiani based on ISTAT data, is attributed primarily to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
After years of consistent growth, Italian agri-food shipments to the US have now fallen for two consecutive months.
Export Slowdown
The slowdown began in April with a modest 1% growth, followed by a minor 0.4% increase in May. However, the trend turned negative with a 3% drop in June and a significant 10% plunge in July.
Cumulatively, exports grew by only 3% in the January-July period of 2025, a stark contrast to the robust 19% annual increase observed during the same period in 2024.
Key Italian food exports have been particularly hard hit, including wine – which alone accounts for over a third of agri-food exports to the US – as well as Designation of Origin cheeses, pasta, and tomato preserves.
CIA-Agricoltori Italiani described the development as ‘worrying news’, underscoring how the tariffs have made Italian products less competitive in the crucial American market.
Trade Balance
The impact is also evident in the trade balance. While the positive balance saw a modest 3% year-on-year increase in July 2025, this growth was not driven by strong export performance but rather by a greater contraction in imports than in exports.
Despite these struggles in the US market, overall Italian food and beverage exports are still projected to see a 6% rise in the first half of 2025, following a record 9% increase in 2024 that generated over €58 billion.
Market Insights
Insights from the Nomisma Observatory for Italia del Gusto, presented at the IDG Export Meeting in Pisa, highlight these broader challenges.
For instance, the value of olive oil exports increased by 43% last year, while volumes only increased by 6%. A similar trend impacted coffee and chocolate in the first half of 2025, with price increases of 73% and 27% respectively.
While dairy, baked goods, and mineral water saw positive volume performance, categories like wine, vinegar, and spirits experienced declines.
Dining and Cooking