The 25% tariffs on Italian wine announced by the Trump administration could cost the sector nearly €1 billion in export losses, according to Unione Italiana Vini (UIV). Direct losses are expected to reach €472 million, a 25% decline compared to last year. The ripple effects may extend further, with reduced imports from other nations impacted by US tariffs. In Canada, Italian wine exports could fall 6% in 2025, while the European Union markets could see a 5% decline, translating into a €216 million loss. The US, Canada, and the EU—accounting for 80% of Italian wine exports—are projected to lose €716 million (-11%) from April 2025 to April 2026. UIV also forecasts a broader contraction in global exports, with a €920 million deficit between 2024 and 2025.
Lamberto Frescobaldi, president of Unione Italiana Vini, said, “To remain in the US market, worth €1.9 billion and 24% of our total exports, we are appealing to our American partners—importers and distributors. As Italian wine producers, we aim to work together to absorb the cost increases resulting from the trade war. We acknowledge that this would be challenging and lead to short-term economic strain, but our priority is to protect the market and the special bond we share with American consumers. A 25% tariff would effectively price us out of the market, with even more damaging consequences than the figures above. We thus call for a concerted diplomatic effort from Italy and Europe to negotiate the future of trade relations with the United States.”