Evviva i dazi americani!
Hooray for American tariffs.
Such is the overwhelming sentiment of Italians. They cheer on a new report—issued days ago—that shows Italy’s exports to the United States increased by a whopping 7.2% in 2025!
Oh, the irony.
Yesterday—February 20, 2026—the U.S. Supreme Court, from the gavel of Chief Justice John Roberts, struck down President Trump’s tariff orders. The Court claimed duties on imported goods was…unconstitutional.
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Fatti Avanti!
Economists almost everywhere praised the Court’s ruling. To them, nothing beats free trade and internationalism.
In response, Trump promised a global tariff of 10% on all foreign goods sold in the United States.
Italy says: Bring it on!
Despite tariff pressure and geopolitical uncertainty, Italian goods showed a seven percent increase in 2025. Italians see America as a giant boomtown. They known “Made In Italy” reigns supreme in the USA.
As issued by Italy’s National Institute of Statistics (Istat), the report conveyed the remarkable resiliency of Italian companies. Not that tariffs didn’t have an effect, mind you. Trump’s policies gave Americans better standing with Italy.
Although Italy enjoys a trade surplus with the United States, the difference narrowed from about €39 billion to €34 billion. ($46 billion to $40 billion)
Trump’s tariffs were targeted. He imposed duties on Italian steel and aluminum, luxury food items and specific products tied to the Airbus. Yet, these sectors did relatively well in America.
Comau Robotics and Venieri bulldozer
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Not Your Father’s Italy
The overall story of Italy is one of growth, not retreat. Italians sell more than they buy.
Globally, 2025 was a record year for Italian exports, rising 3.3% compared to 2024 and producing a trade surplus of €50.7 billion.
The strongest export sectors reveal something important about modern Italy — it is not merely a country of fashion and food, but a country of high-tech industrial power.
Key growth sectors included:
• Pharmaceutical, chemical-medicinal, and botanical products (+28.5%)
• Transport equipment (excluding motor vehicles) (+11.6%)
• Base metals and metal products (excluding machinery) (+9.8%)
• Food, beverages, and tobacco products (+4.3%)
In other words, Italy’s export surge is being driven by science, precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and — yes — culinary excellence.
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
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Americans Trust Italy
Even under tariff pressures, American consumers and businesses continue to purchase Italian goods. The 7.2% increase in exports to the United States suggests something deeper than price sensitivity: it reflects brand trust.
For generations, Americans have associated Italy with craftsmanship, design, durability, and authenticity. From aerospace components to specialty pharmaceuticals to Parmigiano-Reggiano, Italian products occupy a premium space in the American marketplace.
Tariffs may shift margins — but they do not erase reputation.
If Its “Italian,” It Sells
Italy is last among the top 10 countries with imports received in the United States. The list has Mexico in first place, followed by China, Canada, Germany, Japan, Vietnam, South Korea, Ireland, India and Italy.
Italy’s position can alter every year because of differences in exchange rates, not to mention changes in U.S. demands. Yet, overall, Italy remains in the top 10 to top 12 import countries.
Globally, Italy remains on the upswing. Export growth in 2025 was not limited to the U.S. Italy also saw increased sales to:
• Spain (+10.6%)
• France (+5.3%)
• Germany (+2.3%)
• Poland (+5.8%)
• Switzerland (+16.3%)
• OPEC nations (+11%)
Meanwhile, exports to Turkey and China declined sharply.
This shifting landscape underscores a broader trend: Italian companies are diversifying markets and strengthening strategic partnerships, especially in Europe and North America.
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A Bright Future
Italy’s export resilience offers a reminder that quality manufacturing still matters in a global economy often dominated by cost competition. Italy competes not by being the cheapest — but by being the best.
For Italian Americans watching economic debates unfold in Washington, the numbers offer reassurance. The transatlantic relationship remains robust. Commerce continues. Innovation continues. The future belongs to Italy and America!
Editor’s Note: The web site for ISTAT is https://www.istat.org
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