The first reactions are coming from the Italian wine industry regarding the 30% US tariffs on all goods from the European Union, starting August 1st. Here are the Italian responses to the Trump administration’s letter.
Federvini on US tariffs: “For every dollar spent on quality European goods, up to $4.50 is invested in the American economy”
Federvini expresses deep concern over the US administration’s announced introduction of a 30% tariff on all goods originating from the European Union, starting August 1st.
“The imposition of a blanket 30% tariff indiscriminately affects high-value-added sectors, like ours,” emphasizes Giacomo Ponti, president of Federvini. “It is a very serious and unjustified measure, which penalizes not only European producers, but also American economic operators who are an integral part of our trade chain.”
Federvini notes that economic relations between the European Union and the United States are deeply intertwined, particularly in the agri-food, distribution, and restaurant sectors. Unilateral measures like this, adopted without consultation or discussion, undermine the principle of reciprocity on which international trade is based and risk producing long-lasting and damaging consequences for both sides.
In the United States, the three-tier distribution system—import, distribution, and sales—generates added value thanks in part to the presence of European products. For every dollar spent on quality European goods, up to $4.50 is invested in the American economy, including employment, taxation, and growth in the HoReCa sector.
“It’s not just about protecting our exports,” Ponti continues, “but about safeguarding a common economic interest. Our products of excellence are part of a shared economic and cultural ecosystem: hindering their access to the US market also means damaging the supply chains and American workers who have been an active part of it for years.”
Federvini now calls for an immediate, clear, and coordinated response from Italian and European institutions, with the aim of reopening bilateral and multilateral discussions, in full compliance with the rules of trade and international cooperation.
“The survival of thousands of businesses and the stability of a virtuous ecosystem that has generated value and employment on both sides of the Atlantic are at stake. We must act now, with a constructive spirit, strategic vision, and a strong and cohesive European voice,” concludes President Ponti.
Federdoc Raises the Alarm on the Future Competitiveness of Designation of Origin Wines
Federdoc, the National Confederation of Voluntary Consortia for the Protection of Italian Wine Designations, is raising the alarm about the effects that new US tariffs will have on Designation of Origin wines, products of excellence that represent the identity and culture of their territories of origin.
“Designation of Origin wines are not just commercial products, but bearers of history, centuries-old traditions, sustainable production methods, and a strong connection to the territory,” emphasizes a statement signed by Federdoc President Giangiacomo Gallarati Scotti Bonaldi. “They represent a cultural and environmental heritage that contributes to enhancing Italy’s image and reputation worldwide.”
During this period of great uncertainty, US importers have seen a reduction in orders, fearful of the impact US tariffs could have on final costs and product competitiveness. For this reason, Federdoc urges the Italian government and European institutions to intensify dialogue with US authorities to find shared solutions that avoid the application of penalizing tariff measures.
“International cooperation and trade diplomacy must prevail to protect a sector vital to the Italian economy and culture,” the statement concludes. “Federdoc confirms its willingness to collaborate with all parties involved to safeguard the future of Denomination of Origin wines and the communities that produce them, convinced that only through shared commitment can the continuity of a globally recognized heritage of quality be guaranteed.”
Italia del Gusto: “Our products are an integral part of the American supply chain”
Italia del Gusto, the first private consortium of Italian companies operating in the food and wine sectors, founded in 2006 by Giovanni Rana and now comprising 37 brands with a combined turnover of €25 billion, is responding to the 30% US tariffs on a wide range of European products, including many iconic Italian agri-food products.
“It’s not just Italian exports that are being challenged,” an official statement states, “but an economic balance that has generated tangible value on both sides of the Atlantic. Our products are an integral part of an American supply chain that extends from logistics to distribution, from catering to food culture. Breaking this chain would also damage the US economy.”
According to Italia del Gusto, the effects risk being amplified by the macroeconomic context: the tariffs are compounded by the negative impact of the exchange rate and cost pressures. For some key segments, consumer price increases could exceed 40%, resulting in a slowdown in demand and a race to the bottom in distribution channels: reduced margins, replacement of the original product, and the spread of low-quality imitations. The entire system would pay the price, not just Italy.
The Consortium therefore calls on the European Union to act unitedly, focusing on solid diplomatic action and a clear industrial strategy.
“Defending Made in Italy today means protecting a real economy made up of businesses, jobs, and an industrial vision. It’s not just a question of exports: it’s a question of credibility, coherence, and economic civilization,” concludes Italia del Gusto.
US Tariffs: FIVI Winegrowers Call for Immediate Discussion at the European Level
“The US tariffs are a severe blow to the Italian wine sector: the US market represents the primary market for Italian wine exports, for all types of wineries, from the largest to the smallest. Vertical wineries often operate in mountainous and hilly areas, inland regions that contribute to sustaining their livelihoods, with significantly higher production costs. Diplomatic commitment is therefore needed to find a negotiated solution that can prevent the imposition of new tariffs. At the same time, discussions must be initiated immediately at the European level to develop structural and lasting solutions, from the activation of an intra-EU promotion initiative to trade agreements with other countries, and also by easing the bureaucratic burden on wineries.”
This is according to a letter from FIVI, the Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers, an association representing over 1,800 vertical farms throughout Italy, to Minister Lollobrigida, commenting on the news of US President Donald Trump’s letter to European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen.
A.VI.TO.’s open letter: “Promoting the development of alternative markets to the United States”
An open letter addressed to the relevant Italian ministries, European negotiators, the Tuscany Region, and the presidents of Federdoc and Unione Italiana Vini (Italian Wine Union), urging attention and support for Tuscan wine companies regarding the tariffs newly announced by the Trump administration, which would directly impact Tuscan wine starting August 1, 2025. This is the summary of the letter sent by A.VI.TO., the Tuscan Wine Association (Associazione Vini Toscani DOP e IGP), representing 24 Tuscan wine protection consortia, to express the industry’s deep concern regarding this new tax proposal. The document was signed by the newly appointed president of the Tuscan Association, Andrea Rossi.
“This threat has been challenging our market compared to the US market for too long, knowing that this measure could have a devastating impact on the Tuscan wine sector, which exports 37% to the US market, with an average annual value of over €400 million,” the letter reads.
It continues with a genuine appeal to European, national, and regional political representatives: “In light of these considerations, we call for prompt and decisive action by Italian and European institutions to prevent the implementation of these measures. It is essential to resume constructive dialogue with our American counterparts to protect our sector, which represents not only an example of Made in Italy excellence, but also a vital component of our economy.”
In the letter from A.VI.TO. The report also highlights possible measures that could be considered to alleviate the burden of duties on businesses, in order to encourage the development of alternative markets to the United States. These measures include, for example, accelerating the ratification of the Mercosur free trade agreement and any other international agreements. This also includes the need to simplify the use of CMO funds, which are now burdened by the heavy bureaucratic burden required.
Sandro Bottega on US Tariffs: “These will be tough times for every entrepreneur worldwide.”
“The letter announcing that tariffs on EU products will be 30% starting August 1st, as well as the threat of possible counter-tariffs added to the amount established in the letter, are extremely serious. However, at this point, we must not fall into the trap of triggering an economic war and must make a virtue of necessity.” This is how Veneto entrepreneur Sandro Bottega, head of Bottega SpA, a leading Prosecco producer, commented on the latest updates from the United States.
“Today, the United States is an important trading partner, but obviously the opportunities for development are limited, at least in the short term,” the producer continued. “Americans will be the first to pay the consequences, primarily with rising prices, a contraction in the activities of their import companies, and above all, a reduction in their quality of life, given that the prices of imported products will be prohibitively expensive.”
“Beyond the serious doubts about the effectiveness and long-term benefits these tariffs will have, what we need to do is focus on different markets, especially our domestic market. The hope is that—at the very least—all this will attract more American tourists to Europe, and Italy in particular. As for American products, obviously, the European response is unlikely to be positive because, beyond the economic, there will be a cultural reaction. Good luck to every entrepreneur around the world: these are going to be tough times.”
