Overseas
US tariffs on Italian seafood: A blow to premium exports – A new trade deal between Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump ushers in a fresh wave of tariffs on European exports to the United States. The agreement sets a flat 15% customs duty on most exported goods, sparing only a few strategic sectors like aerospace and microelectronics. For Italian agri-food exports—including seafood—this could become a serious obstacle to international competitiveness.
While the agreement avoids the harsher scenario of a 30% tariff, which had been discussed until just days ago, the outcome is still far from painless. Italian seafood exports to the US, though not the largest segment, represent a high-value niche for companies operating in processing, premium products, and certified specialties. Prepared tuna, anchovy, and mackerel products, high-end crustaceans, and smoked fillets aimed at gourmet retail and foodservice may see their margins squeezed or demand weakened.
Industry stakeholders warn of a twofold risk: on one hand, higher costs could make Italian products less attractive on US shelves compared to non-EU competitors; on the other, the falling dollar further worsens the outlook for exporters. The seafood sector finds itself absorbing the commercial shock of geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic shifts beyond its control.
Italian agri-food associations have already raised the alarm, calling on Brussels and the national government to introduce targeted support for the hardest-hit sectors. The fisheries and seafood processing industries are closely watching developments: what’s at stake is not just export volumes, but Italy’s hard-earned reputation in the US market, where “Made in Italy” is often synonymous with quality.
Although the full list of affected product categories has yet to be published, it is reasonable to assume that most processed seafood tariff codes will fall under the higher duty bracket. This calls for a strategic reassessment by companies trading with the US—reviewing market positioning, planning targeted promotions, or exploring potential access to alternative bilateral concessions where available.
In short, the deal avoids a damaging escalation but demands a shift in strategy. For the Italian seafood sector—which has built a solid international reputation over the years—closely tracking regulatory changes and deploying mitigation measures will be essential. European trade policy must now ensure that strategic value chains like seafood are not left behind.
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