“Our goal is to reach zero tariffs between the USA and the EU,” stated Antonio Tajani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister (yesterday in Caserta during the Italy-Netherlands summit).
Minister, but having ‘zero tariffs’ between the USA and the EU seems like a difficult result to achieve at the moment…
“We must continue working to find an agreement with the United States and avoid getting bogged down in a trade war. That’s why I had requested a delay in the EU tariff lists to be increased on some American imports”.
Counter-tariffs, however, will be imposed starting on 15 April. What will happen in the meantime?
“There are two separate lists of products; the second one will be activated in mid-May. In the meantime, we will keep a dialogue channel open”.
Can Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s visit to the USA resolve the issues that are hindering trade relations between the USA and the EU? “Certainly, the actions of the Italian Prime Minister could encourage Trump to reconsider some of his positions. Italy’s role can be that of a facilitator in reaching an agreement, and the entire Europe will benefit because on this issue, separate negotiations are not allowed; the EU must speak with one voice”.
However, in terms of possible remedies, Europe is moving in different directions, starting with the Spanish model, which has allocated €14 billion in government contributions to struggling businesses… “I don’t believe this is a viable path; it’s better to think about other forms of intervention, which we are already working on”.
So, will the NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) resources be used?
“It could be a solution, as could tapping into unused European funds. Yesterday, the Government met with businesses to gather their feedback and suggestions. We might also incentivise support from Italian Trade Agency, SACE, and SIMEST to accelerate internationalisation and exports for companies in need”.
Are you concerned?
“I prefer to ‘focus’ rather than ‘worry’: we need to avoid tariff escalation with a European response that will be proportional and balanced, a joint response with a pragmatic approach for constructive dialogue”.
Yesterday, the stock markets, with a slight rebound, seem to have started to pick up on some signals after Monday’s collapse. How do you assess this attitude?
“As a Government, we are doing everything necessary to transmit reassurance to businesses and markets. But I must also say that Italy is already looking, in terms of exports, at alternative markets such as Turkey, Mexico, Canada, the Gulf States, Central Asia, and South America. For instance, this week I will be heading to India and Japan”.
Regarding Mercosur, the government has applied the brakes, hasn’t it?
“We are ready to support the agreement already finalised by the EU. We have a request for protection for some businesses, some agricultural producers, and livestock farmers, but I believe the EU can find solutions to these issues. At the same time, we must not stop looking at our internal European market, strengthening it further. To do this, we need to accelerate the reduction of excessive rules. I’ve always said that for every new regulation created by the EU, two should be cancelled: this would allow Italian and European businesses to work better, faster, and with less bureaucracy”.
What is the message to be sent to companies promoting Made in Italy?
“We must not reward companies that outsource, but those that internationalise. My message is to stay rooted in our country and open up to export, to internationalise. We must continue to produce in Italy, focusing on export. Companies need to internationalise; they can increase their investments abroad”.
Should the ECB devalue the euro against the dollar?
“The ECB will make its own assessments; the important thing is that it doesn’t raise the cost of money”.
Do you consider the idea of increasing taxation on American Big Tech in Europe to be viable?
“This is still on the table, but now is not the time to clash with the USA”.
Are you concerned about unrest within the government after Salvini’s pressure for the Interior Ministry?
“Piantedosi is an excellent minister, the government team is strong and cohesive, and the majority parties, despite their natural differences, are working to ensure stability until the end of the legislature. If we are capable, we can govern together in the next legislature too. We will also go united to the upcoming regional elections; if there is a problem with alliances and coalition homogeneity, it’s the others who have it. Not us”.
