The new customs rates imposed on exchanges with United States they are having a significant impact on exporting Italian companies, concerning an annual market that is worth among the 50 and 70 billion euros. These measures are estimated to entail a loss of turnover between 5 and 8 billion euros, equal to about 11.5%. This is what reported by the Study Center of Unimpresa.
The data of the SMEs
In the agri -food sector, which records an export of 5-6 billion eurosa 5-10% reduction in demand could lead to a loss of turnover between 250 and 600 million euros, with 400-600 million lost only in the wine sector and 100-150 million in cheeses. In the fashion and luxury sector, with an export of 12 billion euros, a decline between 600 and 1,200 million euros is expected, while the manufacture, which is worth 10-15 billion euros, could undergo losses between 500 and 1,500 million euros, in particular as regards machinery and automotive components.
In total, the approximately 10 thousand Italian companies that export to the United States, of which 70% SMEthey could record an average contraction of turnover between 5 and 7%, equal to a loss of 300 thousand-500 thousand euros per company. In the absence of alternative markets, many may be forced to reduce investments or staff.
The impact on the most famous Italian products
The president of Unimpresa, Giovanna Ferraracomments:
Faced with American duties and global economic tensions, a clear and concrete response is needed. I believe that the first step is a shared European strategy: we cannot afford a commercial war that damages our businesses, but neither will remain passive in front of those who affect our exports. Europe must speak with one voice, defending their interests without giving ground.
High quality Italian products, such as DOC wines, luxury fashion and DOP cheeses, continue to enjoy a relatively stable question even at higher prices, thanks to their solid reputation. For more common goods, such as pasta or basic clothing, a slight decrease is expected in the import volume, but those who continue to buy them will still have to face higher costs. This phenomenon is further accentuated by the lack of equivalent local alternatives for many Italian products.
The sectors most affected by the commercial war
According to Confartigianato, in 2024, Italian exports to the United States reached the 65 billion eurosunderlining how particularly vulnerable Italy to turbulence from overseas is particularly vulnerable. Among the risk sectors are: chemistry, pharmaceutical, transport, machinery, and food and drinks.
The new protectionist tsunami could cancel over 11 billion euros of exports Italianwith a collapse of 16.8% in direct sales to the United States. To suffer the most serious consequences will also be the key sectors of Made in Italy, which risk ending up in the commercial “chopper” without any protection. Among these, they include: fashion, furnishings, woodworking, metals, jewelry and glasses.
The most vulnerable regions due to the duties are Lombardy, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont and Lazio, with a symbol provinces such as Milan, Florence, Modena, Turin, Bologna and Vicenza.
