Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has warned that a trade war between the European Union and the United States would harm both sides and weaken the West amid growing global challenges.
Her comments come after US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose 30% tariffs on EU goods starting 1 August, unless a new trade agreement is reached. The move has sparked alarm across Europe, with fears that the tariff hike could bring transatlantic trade to a standstill.
“Once again today, the Government is in close contact with the European Commission and all the parties involved in the tariff negotiations,” Meloni said in a statement on Sunday.
“A trade war within the West would make us all weaker in the face of the global challenges we are addressing together,” she added.
Meloni stressed that the European Union has the strength to respond firmly, but sensibly.
“Europe has the economic and financial strength to uphold its interests and reach a fair and common-sense agreement,” she said. “Italy will do its part, as always.”
Her remarks reflect growing concerns in Rome about the possible impact on Italian exports, which depend heavily on US markets. Key sectors such as automotive, food, wine, fashion, and machinery could face steep costs if tariffs are imposed.
In April, Meloni visited Trump in the States, when the President first threatened ridiculous tariffs.
European Commission says 30% tariff would shut down trade
On Monday, the European Commission’s trade chief, Maroš Šefčovič, said the proposed tariff hike would effectively shut down trade between the two economic powers.
“A tariff of 30%, or anything above, has more or less the same effect. So, practically it prohibits the trade,” Šefčovič said. “If the tariff stays, trading as we know it will not continue, with huge negative effects on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Last year, EU-US trade in goods and services reached €1.68 trillion, making it one of the most important economic partnerships in the world. Together, the EU and US account for nearly 30% of global trade.
But President Trump has long criticised the EU for what he considers unfair trading practices, citing existing tariffs on US goods and European digital service taxes. In April, he claimed the EU was “formed to screw” America.
Italy, which relies on exports to drive its economy, is urging dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation. Government officials have confirmed they are working closely with Brussels to avoid the introduction of US tariffs and preserve stable trade ties.
For now, Italian businesses and exporters face growing uncertainty. With the 1 August deadline looming, Meloni’s government is pushing for a resolution that protects both European unity and Italy’s national interests.
