Rome – It is certainly not a quiet period for Antonio Tajani, who, as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, is managing two wars and now the tariff crisis. However, the leader of Forza Italia remains steadfast and keen to reassure: “No panic. The tariffs were a mistake, but Italians should know that the government has been working on this issue for some time. We are neither unprepared nor caught off guard. The government has been acting for months on several fronts: working with Europe to coordinate responses that do not trigger retaliatory escalations but instead lead to negotiations with the US; implementing an action plan to open new markets; and exploring the possibility of specific bilateral agreements”.
You keep insisting that tariffs cannot be met with indiscriminate counter-tariffs. But what is a realistic objective in potential negotiations?
“In the short term, a feasible goal would be to halve the announced tariffs—from 20% to 10%, as has been applied to British goods. There is work to be done, but Trade Commissioner Sefčovič is the right person for the job. I met him today (yesterday, editor’s note), then I attended the NATO Council, where I referred to Article 2 of the Treaty, which states that alliance countries must ‘eliminate any disputes in their international economic policies’ and encourage ‘economic cooperation between each other or collectively'”.
Meanwhile, the US is requesting an increase in NATO contributions to 5%, up from the previously agreed 2%…
“And I responded that this seems rather difficult if they are imposing tariffs on our goods…”
So, are you optimistic about potential negotiations?
“We must seek negotiations. Tomorrow (today, editor’s note), Sefčovič will speak with the US delegation to present our proposals and responses. Then, on Monday, we will meet as EU foreign trade ministers to decide our course of action. I believe a compromise is necessary for all sides. My dream is to establish an Atlantic market with zero tariffs, which would provide a significant boost to all Western economies”.
However, as von der Leyen has warned, a storm is brewing. How will Europe defend itself?
“Beyond addressing tariffs, we must reduce our production costs, starting with energy, by fully integrating a single market. We must also move towards harmonising capital markets and furthering tax alignment. Additionally, cutting red tape is essential—eliminating these costs will help offset potential losses caused by tariffs”.
How will Italy protect its own production?
“At the European level, we have already identified a list of US goods that should not be subjected to tariffs in order to avoid countermeasures. We believe that certain sectors—such as motorcycles, spirits, cosmetics, beauty products, and jewellery—should not be penalised because we export more in these industries than we import. This applies to the tariffs already in place on aluminium and cars. Beyond that, each country will pursue its own commercial strategy”.
What will Italy’s approach be?
“Our action plan aims to expand into underexplored markets. We have a special envoy for the ‘Cotton Route’. Next week, I will be in India and Japan for business forums, in Osaka for political and business meetings, and for the inauguration of the Expo. I also do not consider it unreasonable to explore setting up new production facilities in the US to ensure reciprocity and better conditions. Of course, this does not mean shutting down operations here or offshoring production”.
If Trump refuses to back down, could China somehow replace the US?
“We belong to the West, and I firmly believe that this is where we must start—it is our world. Instead, we must be vigilant to avoid a dangerous spiral. If, as expected, inflation rises in the US, the Federal Reserve may increase interest rates. However, the ECB must not follow suit, as raising borrowing costs would be highly detrimental and could stall the economy”.
If companies face difficulties, are you ready to intervene?
“If necessary, we will. Our goal is to boost productivity, development, and technology, to encourage businesses to open rather than close. We want an industrial policy focused on growth—that is our objective”.
Will the governing coalition remain united on this issue? The League appears somewhat in favour of tariffs, Brothers of Italy has been very cautious, and Forza Italia…
“…Forza Italia, like everyone else, is working on the ground. Our stance is clear and will be shared by all: no unnecessary retaliatory actions, but also no passive acceptance. We will not underestimate Trump’s manoeuvres, nor will we simply endure them without considering possible responses. However, we must avoid a trade war that would hurt everyone. On this, the coalition must and will remain united”.
