The European food sector is once again in the crosshairs of US trade policies.

Starting April 2, the new tariffs imposed by President Trump threaten to damage European agri-food exports, with a particular impact on Italian dairy products. This is an alarm that directly involves producers, including us at Caseificio Ignalat, who are carefully and consciously monitoring its developments, reacting with a strategic and resilient long-term vision.

Despite the uncertainty, the Italian food sector is experiencing a period of significant growth, with exports reaching a record €69.1 billion. Among the leading Made in Italy products are cheeses and dairy products, which generate a turnover of €5.4 billion.

However, the threat of customs barriers could jeopardize this positive trend. In recent months, there has been an increase in requests from American importers, worried about a potential rise in prices due to the new tariffs. While this situation generates a short-term export boost, it also raises several questions about managing distribution and ensuring the continuity of our products in the USA in the future.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS FOR ITALIAN PRODUCTION?

A potential 25% increase in customs duties could have direct effects on the competitiveness of Italian cheeses in the United States, one of the key markets for Italian food exports, which we at Caseificio Ignalat aim to continue to serve in the best way possible.

“We have built strong relationships with American distributors, bringing our specialties to gourmet restaurants and specialized retail” explains Vincenzo Ignazzi, CEO and Export Manager of Caseificio Ignalat. “But a price increase could slow our growth and make fresh products like Burrata, Stracciatella and Mozzarella less accessible and competitive compared to local products or those from other exporting countries”.

The past offers little optimism: the last wave of tariffs imposed during the Trump presidency led to a 19% reduction in the value of Italian cheese exports, with a loss of over 6,000 tons and €65 million less in 2020.

THE STRATEGY OF CASEIFICIO IGNALAT

Faced with this challenge, our approach is to look ahead with pragmatism, adopting a thoughtful and forward-looking strategy of market diversification to avoid over-relying on a single commercial outlet.

“We cannot afford to depend solely on one market” emphasizes Ignazzi. “That’s why we continue to strengthen our presence in Europe and focus on emerging markets such as Canada, Singapore and the Middle East, where Made in Italy is increasingly appreciated”.

Focusing on quality remains our winning card: “We work to differentiate our cheeses through their artisanal excellence. American consumers have shown that they are willing to pay for an authentic and niche product, and this is where we want to invest”.

Commercial challenges may change the rules of the game, but not the vocation of Italian companies to bring our excellence and gastronomic tradition to the world.

We at Caseificio Ignalat are ready to adapt, innovate and strengthen our global presence, confident that our vision will allow us to overcome this challenge. Because true value is measured not only by numbers, but by the ability to turn difficulties into new commercial opportunities.