Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has emphasized the importance of negotiations over countermeasures in dealing with new U.S. tariffs on European goods.
Speaking with the Tg1 television channel, Meloni suggested that instead of imposing retaliatory tariffs, European nations should work toward their removal through diplomatic efforts.
“There are various ways to respond to U.S. tariffs, and Italy should share its proposals with our European partners,” she stated.
Meloni warned that escalating tariffs could ultimately hurt Italy’s economy more than the intended targets. “For example, I am not convinced that the best choice is to respond to tariffs with even higher tariffs, as this could have a greater impact on our economy than what happens beyond our borders,” she explained.
The Italian leader stressed the need for an “open and substantive discussion with the Americans” to de-escalate tensions and find a resolution that avoids further trade restrictions.
The announcement of the tariffs came on April 2, when the U.S. president declared a global trade policy shift, introducing import duties ranging from 10% to 50% based on the country of origin. EU exports to the U.S. will be subject to a 20% tariff, while Ukraine will face a lower rate of 10%. In response, the European Union is preparing emergency measures to counterbalance the economic impact.
