Trump tariffs raise Italian cheese export costs by up to 30%

The United States' tariff policy under the Trump administration has added near‑30% to the cost of Italian DOP and IGP cheeses. The double‑tariff measures applied at New York and New Jersey ports have slowed growth in a sector that saw a 4% production increase in 2025, reaching over 625,000 tonnes. The United States remains the top non‑EU market, importing about 40,900 tonnes worth €485 million.

Afidop, the association representing more than 99% of certified Italian cheese production, warned that the tariff‑driven cost surge is dampening export momentum. Preliminary data for the first quarter of 2026 already show a slowdown, even as the provisional EU‑Mercosur free‑trade agreement entered into force on 1 May, offering a potential counterbalance.

The association highlighted the need for strategic actions to protect Italy's prized agro‑food products in global markets amid ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions.