The US will reduce tariffs on Parmigiano Reggiano PDO to 15%, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The decision eliminates a previous 25% tariff — made up of a historic 15% duty dating back to the 1960s and an additional 10% introduced in April.
The revised tariff, which comes into effect on 7 August, is expected to ease trade tensions and offer modest relief to Italian producers. However, industry leaders warn that broader economic pressures could dampen any potential gains.
INDUSTRY WARNS OF LINGERING HEADWINDS
Nicola Bertinelli, President of the PDO Parmigiano Reggiano Protection Consortium, cautiously welcomed the reduction but criticised the continued use of tariffs. “While the revision is a step forward, any barrier to free trade is an unjust constraint on growth and economic cooperation,” he said, calling free trade “a positive force for innovation, competition, informed consumer choice, and international dialogue.”
Bertinelli noted that Parmigiano Reggiano occupies a niche position in the US market, accounting for less than 8% of hard cheese sales and commanding more than double the price of domestic alternatives. “American consumers who buy Parmigiano Reggiano are making a conscious choice,” he said. “They have far cheaper options.”
Despite the rollback in duties, the Consortium warns of further price increases. “Even without additional tariffs, the retail price in the US is set to rise further by early 2026,” Bertinelli said. “Higher production costs at origin, combined with unfavourable euro-dollar exchange rates, will likely push prices above $55 per kilo.”
US REMAINS KEY MARKET FOR PARMIGIANO REGGIANO PDO
The United States remains the largest non-EU market for Parmigiano Reggiano, absorbing 22.5% of total exports. Shipments exceeded 16,000 tonnes in 2024, marking a 13.4% increase from the previous year.
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