President Sergio Mattarella has called Donald Trump’s global tariffs a “profound error” and urged Europe to respond in a “compact, calm, determined” manner. He made these remarks during a meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis at the Quirinale presidential palace in Rome on Wednesday.
Trump is expected to announce the global tariffs at 4:00 pm Washington time on Wednesday, which is 10:00 pm in Rome.
Meloni – Averting a trade war is essential
Premier Giorgia Meloni has stated that the European Union may need to adopt “appropriate responses” to Trump’s global tariffs but stressed that every effort should be made to avoid a trade war.
“I remain convinced that we must work in every possible way to avert a trade war, which would not benefit anyone, neither the United States nor Europe,” Meloni said during the award ceremony of the Master of the Art of Italian Cuisine Prize at Palazzo Chigi in Rome.
She did not rule out countermeasures. “This obviously does not rule out having to contemplate appropriate responses to defend our production, if necessary.”
Impact on Italian agri-food exports
Meloni highlighted the potential impact on Italy’s food and drink exports. “Italian agri-food products are in demand all over the world, starting of course with Europe,” she said.
“It must be remembered that the United States is the second-largest destination market, with exports rising by 17% in 2024.
“The US market is fundamental for us.
“It is clear that the introduction of new tariffs would have serious implications for Italian producers. And I think it would also be an injustice for many Americans, because it would limit the possibility to buy and consume our (products of) excellence to those who can afford to spend more.”
Lollobrigida – Italy’s Strength in Quality Products
Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida urged Italy to remain confident in its quality food and drink sector despite concerns about the tariffs.
“The apprehension of the markets of these hours with respect to possible new tariffs should not cause us to forget the results achieved in recent years with records in the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) economy, in wine exports, in the promotion of oil and cheese in Europe and around the world. In the affirmation of Italian pizza as a form of food excellence, in having explained the difference between ice cream and Italian gelato, in the added value in agriculture,” Lollobrigida said at the award ceremony.
He expressed confidence in Italy’s food sector. “Italy is a superpower in this sector and it will be able to meet any challenge because it has excellent companies, which all the government has to do is support and not be an obstacle to.”
With Italy’s leadership urging calm but firm action, attention now turns to the EU’s next steps in response to Trump’s tariffs.
