by InTrieste
Italian wine producers are facing significant uncertainty as the United States considers imposing hefty tariffs on foreign wines, with some shipments already being held up at U.S. ports. The threat of tariffs, which could reach 200% of the wine’s value, has prompted concerns across the Italian wine industry, particularly among producers of Prosecco.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Wine Trade Alliance advised Italian producers to halt shipments until the U.S. government finalizes its decision on potential tariffs, which is expected by April 2. As a result, Italian wine consignments, including Prosecco DOC, Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, and Asolo Prosecco DOCG, have been temporarily suspended to the U.S. market.
The potential tariffs are part of a broader trade dispute, and while shipments to the U.S. have slowed, some producers report that the situation aligns with a decrease in demand following an initial spike in orders earlier this year. In anticipation of the tariffs, many producers rushed to fulfill orders ahead of the new regulations. However, this rush has since subsided, and demand is now returning to normal levels.
Franco Adami, president of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG consortium, noted that orders had declined following the stockpiling surge. Yet, some producers are still actively shipping. Matteo Lunelli, president of Ferrari Trento and CEO of the Lunelli Group, said his company continues to fulfill orders and has yet to experience any disruption from distributors.
However, smaller producers like Cantina Pizzolato, which emphasizes organic and sustainable practices, have seen some U.S. importers pause shipments. Sabrina Rodelli of the winery mentioned that their container had been held up for two days before shipping resumed, but orders have slowed by 20% as fears of tariffs linger.
The logistics challenges are also evident. Valter De Bortoli, co-founder of the international shipping company Db Group, explained that even if shipments are halted, they still face a backlog as goods are already en route. The shipping process typically takes between one to one and a half months to clear U.S. customs, further complicating the situation.
As the U.S. government nears a decision, the Italian wine industry is left navigating a period of uncertainty. If the tariffs are imposed, they could have far-reaching implications not only for Italian producers but also for American consumers, who would likely face higher prices for imported wines.
