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The Need to Defend a Fundamental Inducement for the Bel Paese, Becomes Urgent
The Made in Italy agri-food sector, a symbol of excellence recognized globally, is facing a new challenge: the prospect of possible tariffs imposed by the United States, one of the most strategic markets for Italian exports. The alarm comes from Italia del Gusto, an association that brings together the main companies in the sector, which has launched an appeal to politics and diplomacy to protect the sector and guarantee the competitiveness of Italian companies in an increasingly complex economic context. The Italian agri-food sector recorded a total value of 52 billion euros in 2023, of which over 3.5 billion derive from exports to the United States. This market represents not only a significant source of income for the Italian economic system, but also an international showcase for excellent products such as wine, cheese, olive oil and pasta.
However, imposing duties on Italian products could jeopardize this trade relationship, with serious consequences for the entire supply chain. According to Italia del Gusto, duties would lead to an increase in consumer prices in the United States, reducing the competitiveness of Italian products compared to international competitors. This scenario risks eroding demand and putting in difficulty not only large companies, but also small producers and artisan businesses that represent the beating heart of Made in Italy. The president of Italia del Gusto, Giacomo Ponti, underlined the importance of a coordinated and timely response to address this potential threat. “It is time to defend our Made in Italy, to protect the excellence that distinguishes us and to guarantee arrivals on the markets without additional costs for the consumer,” said Ponti, reiterating the need to be proactive in a rapidly changing economic context. The appeal is addressed to the Italian Government and European institutions to adopt concrete measures through targeted diplomatic action. According to Ponti, it is essential that politics act as a bridge between Italian companies and international institutions to prevent the introduction of duties that would severely penalize agri-food exports. The United States is one of the main destination markets for many Italian products, including fine wines, DOP cheeses, extra virgin olive oil and high-quality pasta. The introduction of duties could increase the retail prices of these products, making them less accessible to American consumers and favouring less expensive alternatives from other countries.
However, the consequences would not be limited to final consumers. The Italian agri-food supply chain, which involves farmers, processors, exporters and distributors, would risk suffering heavy repercussions, with a reduction in exports and a potential loss of jobs. Despite the challenges, the Italian agri-food sector has demonstrated an extraordinary capacity for adaptation and resilience over the years. “We have a long tradition of overcoming challenges,” said Ponti, expressing confidence in the Italian government’s ability to implement all necessary actions to safeguard the future of the sector. Made in Italy represents not only a manufacturing excellence, but also a symbol of culture and tradition that helps promote the image of Italy in the world. Protecting this heritage is essential not only for economic reasons, but also to preserve the identity and prestige of the country at a global level. Italia del Gusto reiterated the need for a united and coordinated response to face this challenge. The association invited all parties involved, from institutions to businesses, to collaborate to find diplomatic solutions that guarantee the continuity of Italian agri-food exports to the United States. This appeal highlights the urgency of protecting a strategic sector for the Italian economy, preventing duties from threatening the positioning of products that have always represented the flagship of Italy in the world. In a historical moment characterized by geopolitical and economic uncertainties, safeguarding Made in Italy requires a collective effort to ensure that Italian excellence continues to shine on international markets.
Alessandro Fiorentino