Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the latest US trade tariffs. The new 20% tariffs on European goods were announced by US president Donald Trump as part of his announcements on Wednesday, which he has dubbed “liberation day.”
Meloni expressed her opposition in a Facebook post, warning the tarrifs could trigger an economic conflict that would hurt both America and its allies.
She also said that Italy would do everything possible to find a diplomatic solution with the US.
She wrote, "The introduction by the US of duties towards the European Union is a measure that I consider wrong and that does not suit either party. We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the aim of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players. In any case, as always, we will act in the interest of Italy and its economy, also by discussing with other European partners.
The tariffs, revealed on Wednesday after the US stock markets closed, apply a 10% duty on most imports, with additional higher levies on key trading partners like the European Union, Japan, and Israel.
Trump justified the move by calling it a step towards economic independence. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, he said, “This is one of the most important days in American history. It’s our declaration of economic independence.”
Also read: 'Friend is worse than foe': Donald Trump's country-specific tariffs
Trump believes the tariffs will revive US manufacturing, break down foreign trade barriers, and open global markets to American businesses. “Factories will come roaring back into our country,” he claimed.
However, early reactions from affected nations have been cautious, with leaders reluctant to escalate tensions.
Meloni expressed her opposition in a Facebook post, warning the tarrifs could trigger an economic conflict that would hurt both America and its allies.
She also said that Italy would do everything possible to find a diplomatic solution with the US.
She wrote, "The introduction by the US of duties towards the European Union is a measure that I consider wrong and that does not suit either party. We will do everything we can to work towards an agreement with the United States, with the aim of avoiding a trade war that would inevitably weaken the West in favor of other global players. In any case, as always, we will act in the interest of Italy and its economy, also by discussing with other European partners.
The tariffs, revealed on Wednesday after the US stock markets closed, apply a 10% duty on most imports, with additional higher levies on key trading partners like the European Union, Japan, and Israel.
Trump justified the move by calling it a step towards economic independence. Speaking from the White House Rose Garden, he said, “This is one of the most important days in American history. It’s our declaration of economic independence.”
Also read: 'Friend is worse than foe': Donald Trump's country-specific tariffs
Trump believes the tariffs will revive US manufacturing, break down foreign trade barriers, and open global markets to American businesses. “Factories will come roaring back into our country,” he claimed.
However, early reactions from affected nations have been cautious, with leaders reluctant to escalate tensions.
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