Tariff shock hits apple industry and Italian exporters alike

USA – Jim Bair, CEO of USApple, which represents the entire apple sector in the U.S., has released a statement warning of the serious risks these tariffs pose to the industry.

He noted that the announcement directly affects the industry’s largest markets, explaining that Mexico, Canada, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India together bought US$756 million worth of U.S. apples in 2024.

Bair acknowledged the importance of fair trade practices, saying, “We support holding trading partners accountable. Countries that would be ideal markets for U.S. apples shut us out due to non-tariff trade barriers.”

“That’s why USApple strongly supported the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which is working well, and those countries remain our largest export destinations.”

Bair also warned that tariffs could lead to retaliation. He recalled the experience with India, where previous U.S. tariffs triggered responses that restricted access to vital export markets.

According to him, such developments could hurt apple growers across the country. He stressed the importance of keeping steady and healthy trade relationships with current and potential partners to protect the overall industry.

Just days before the tariff announcement, 90 apple growers, packers, and shippers from 14 states were in Washington, D.C., meeting with lawmakers to make their case.

They stressed that the future of the apple industry depends on access to international markets.

Italian exports at risk

The news has also sent shockwaves through Italy’s export community. Speaking at a press conference for the upcoming Macfrut trade fair in Rimini, Matteo Zoppas, president of the Italian Trade Agency (ICE), said the tariff would have a heavy impact.

“Everyone has been reading the newspapers this morning and trying to analyse what it all means,” Zoppas said. “This is not the result we wanted. We have to wait and see what this means for Italian exports. But this is a major concern for agrifood and for machinery.”

The Italian agency previously warned that a 20 per cent tariff could slash export revenues to the U.S. by €10bn (US$10.79 billion) to €12bn (US$12.94 billion). This comes out of Italy’s total exports to the U.S., which stand at €67bn (US$72.28 billion).

Francesco Lollobrigida, Italy’s Minister of Agriculture, added that Italy would not walk away from the American market. “As we develop new markets elsewhere, we have never thought about closing others out of choice. Do we now want to renounce the US market? No, that’s not an option,” he said.

Lollobrigida also called for efforts from the EU and the Italian government to prevent a trade war. While acknowledging the challenges, he noted that situations like this might also lead to other possibilities.

With trading partners reacting strongly, the U.S. move has not only shaken domestic industries like apples but also stirred tension among long-time allies, signaling a tense few months ahead for international trade.

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