"New U.S. tariffs? Low-cost products are at greater risk than the finest 'Made in Italy' goods."”
Analysis of US trade policies and new production and commercial strategies for the American market
Premises...
In 2024, Italy reached a record figure of 623 billion euros in exports, consolidating its position as Europe's second-largest manufacturer. The US market, which has become its second-largest trading partner after Germany, now represents a fundamental pillar for Italian businesses. However, the return of protectionist policies promoted by President Donald Trump is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty, placing the issue of new tariffs at the center of the economic debate.
This analysis draws inspiration from a recent in-depth report by the broadcast Sole 24 Ore, in which experts such as Professor Gianmarco Ottaviano and Italian entrepreneurs, including representatives from Cimberio and Colavita, examined the potential repercussions of such policies, while emphasizing that the true burden of the tariffs could fall primarily on US companies and consumers, rather than on Italian exporters.
Why will Americans be the ones to pay more?
As highlighted by Professor Ottaviano, US tariffs are, in effect, an additional tax on imports which, although initially aimed at foreign exporters, ultimately falls primarily on American end-buyers. This phenomenon occurs particularly with highly specialized and high-quality Italian products that are difficult to replace with local alternatives.
The main reasons are:
- Replacement difficultyProducts such as high-tech industrial machinery, fashion and luxury goods, and gourmet food have no direct competitors in the USA.
- American market loyaltyAmerican consumers, who are strongly attached to the quality of Made in Italy, will likely be willing to sustain price increases, thus absorbing most of the costs resulting from tariffs.
- Protected Italian Margins: As a result, Italian manufacturers will be able to keep their selling prices unchanged—or nearly so—indirectly passing the burden on to U.S. end consumers.
The Italian Sectors Most Resilient to U.S. Tariffs
According to what emerged from the comparison proposed by Il Sole 24 Ore, the sectors most affected by the new US tariffs would be those with the highest added value and lowest substitutability on the US market, such as:
- Industrial machinery and mechanics
- Premium Agri-Food Products
- High-end fashion and apparel
The peculiarity and high perceived value of these Italian products allow exporters to maintain a strong position, transferring a large part of the tariff burden to American buyers.
For companies operating in the premium agri-food sector, it is essential to further strengthen their presence in the United States—for example, by participating in major trade shows to meet and build relationships directly with buyers in the U.S. market. To learn more about this opportunity, consult the guide dedicated to U.S. trade shows in 2025: Production, Import, and Distribution for Food & Wine.
The responses of Italian businesses: the case of Cimberio and Colavita
Italian companies are already developing new production and commercial strategies to face the challenges posed by the new US tariffs:
Cimberio Case (industrial valves)
- Exports accounted for 96% of revenue, with the U.S. market representing approximately 10% of that total.
- The company is planning a potential relocation of its production to the U.S., a strategy that would allow it to directly avoid the impact of tariffs and optimize logistics costs.
The Colavita USA Case (Agri-Food Products)
- Exports to the U.S. account for approximately 50% of total export revenue.
- The company has already made strategic acquisitions in the U.S., particularly in the pasta sector, thereby ensuring that it can best manage any impacts resulting from the new tariffs.
New Production and Sales Strategies for the U.S. Market: Support from Specialized Consulting Firms
To best react to the new conditions imposed by American protectionist policies, it becomes essential to adopt innovative, targeted, and effective strategies. In this context, specialized companies such as Link2America They can provide essential strategic support to Italian companies seeking to maintain and strengthen their presence in the U.S. market.
Link2America offers practical support for:
- Customized Strategic AnalysisAccurately identify the potential impact of tariffs and define commercial strategies that focus on the high quality and exclusivity of Made in Italy, thereby facilitating the transfer of the tariff burden onto American consumers.
- Offshoring and Local Presence: Support the establishment of manufacturing facilities, joint ventures, or strategic acquisitions aimed at minimizing or completely eliminating tariff impacts.
- Supply Chain OptimizationHelp businesses restructure their supply chain to make it more agile, competitive, and resilient to fluctuations in international trade policies.
Furthermore, Link2America It offers specialized consulting services to help Italian companies enter or restructure their operations in the U.S. market, providing information on financing opportunities for international expansion:
View funding opportunities for the internationalization of Italian companies here.
Towards a new phase for Italian export
The return of US protectionist policies requires deep reflection and a change of pace for Italian companies, which are called upon to develop new production and commercial strategies for the American market. The ability to adapt quickly and consciously will be decisive in continuing to effectively and successfully monitor the US market.
Companies interested in exploring these topics further can contact the experts at Link2America for a free preliminary assessment of their situation by visiting the page Link2America Contacts.
