ROME, Italy — Italian winemakers are bracing for a significant hit as U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 20% tariff on European Union goods looms over the industry. The U.S., a key market for Italian wines, could see prices soar, potentially diminishing demand.
According to Lamberto Frescobaldi, chairman of the Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), Italy’s wine revenues might plunge by approximately 323 million euros (around $368 million) annually once the tariffs take effect. “This tariff could disrupt decades of growth in the U.S. market,” Frescobaldi warned.
At Ca’ Montebello, a family-owned winery in the Oltrepò Pavese region, over 90% of their production is destined for U.S. consumers. Alberto Scarani, the third-generation heir, expressed deep concerns. “It’s changing a lot, especially for cheap wine,” he said. “Consumers are reluctant to pay more for inexpensive options.”
Scarani hopes that a resolution can be found. “We trust that the EU will negotiate a solution to these tariff challenges,” he added. The sentiment is shared across Italy’s wine industry, where small and large producers alike fear the loss of their foothold in the American market.
The proposed tariffs are part of a broader trade dispute between the U.S. and the EU, with both sides grappling over fair trade practices. For Italian winemakers, the stakes are high, and the future remains uncertain.
