The future of Italian exports between duties and diplomatic relations, President Trump "I like Meloni a lot, let's see what happens"

Donald Trump's return to the White House is already provoking reactions in Europe, particularly on'hypothesis of new trade duties towards the European Union. During an interview before leaving for North Carolina, the American president praised Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, calling her a political figure of great interest. "I like Meloni a lot, let's see what happens“, Trump declared, leaving a glimmer of hope for a possible preferential treatment for Italy with respect to the application of duties which, instead, could hit the rest of the Union.

These statements help to cast a new light on the relations between the United States and Italy, a country that, thanks to the export of excellent products such as wine, cheese and fashion, has a strategic role in international trade. However, the positions of the new president on Europe, presented during the World Economic Forum in Davos, confirm a protectionist trade strategy. 

The American view on the EU

In Davos, Trump reiterated that “Europe will have to pay duties" onr help reduce the US public debt. The goal is to put pressure on the European Union, considered guilty by the American government of not respecting a trade balance and of implement measures that are unfavorable to American companies, such as taxation on web giants. For Italy, as mentioned, this position could represent a threat to the export sector, which recorded record numbers in 2024.

President Trump's interests and Italy's role

The key to Trump's position lies in his statements on personal relationship with Giorgia Meloni, the only EU leader invited both to Mar-a-Lago during the transition phase and to the Inauguration Day, held on 21 January. This special relationship could prove strategic for Italy, whose economic-commercial sector hopes to obtain an exemption from duties or to negotiate more favorable conditions.

Experts point out that during Trump's first term (2017-2021), the American protectionism has already put European economies under pressure, even if the effects on the Italian agri-food sector have been limited. Paolo Mascarino, president of Federalimentare, calls for caution: “We will only be able to address the issue of tariffs when Trump's words translate into concrete actions. In the meantime, we need a united strategy with Brussels".

The future obstacle for Europe 

The European Union is called to respond to Trump's possible maneuvers with a united front. According to European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Valdis Dombrovskis, a common position could strengthen Europe's ability to negotiate. In addition to tariffs, there are other tables on which trade relations will be played, such as the regulation of digital services, the tax treatment of multinationals and the balancing of trade in services and capital flows.