Tariffs and cheese – Why Italy's pecorino is under pressure – DW – 05/30/2025

DW

5 days ago

Italy is feeling the effects of President Trump's tariff policy. A large share of Italian exports, like the famous pecorino cheese, goes to the U.S. One Italy's best pecorino producers is worried.
Tariffs Bite into Tradition: Italy's Pecorino Makers Under Pressure
In the rolling hills outside Rome, Daniele Deroma and his family have been crafting pecorino romano for generations. Made from sheep's milk and aged with care, this iconic cheese is a symbol of Italian culinary heritage. But today, that tradition is under threat. A 10% U.S. import tariff—introduced under President Donald Trump—has cast a shadow over Italy's cheese industry. With 35% of Donato's production destined for the U.S., the tariff could mean the difference between profit and loss. If American demand drops, excess cheese could flood the domestic market, driving prices down and squeezing producers across the supply chain.
A Delicate Balance of Quality and Cost
Italy's economy leans heavily on exports, and the U.S. is one of its largest non-EU markets. For high-end products like pecorino romano, lowering prices to offset tariffs isn't feasible—quality comes at a cost. Experts warn that American consumers may eventually balk at higher prices, reducing demand. Meanwhile, Italy's broader economic outlook remains fragile, with sluggish GDP growth and high national debt. The uncertainty has sparked debate among Italians: Some fear economic pain, while others believe loyal U.S. consumers will continue buying, even at a premium. Still, many agree that Italy must diversify its markets and strengthen internal demand.
Survival Through Adaptation and Local Support
To weather the storm, Italian cheese makers like Deroma are looking inward and outward. Expanding into new international markets—within and beyond the EU—could reduce reliance on the U.S. At the same time, there's a growing call to support local producers. As one Roman cheese seller put it, buying local isn't just patriotic—it's a way to preserve centuries-old traditions. By educating consumers and emphasizing the cultural value of their products, Italy's pecorino producers hope to keep their craft alive, even in the face of global trade tensions.
This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.