Various Italian wine producers have begun to rethink export markets after President Donald Trump’s warning of a 30% tariff on imports from the European Union. 

At present, Italy exports more wine to the US than any other country. However, potential high tariffs threaten this relationship. 

Giovanni Busi, the president of Consorzio Vino Chianti, an association representing Chianti wine producers, explained that winemakers now want to target markets such as South America, Asia and Africa amid uncertainty around the US. 

He cited Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay as regions with high growth potential, alongside China, Japan, Vietnam and Taiwan in Asian markets. 

Busi said: “There is no point in feeling sorry for ourselves. It should be seen as an opportunity to accelerate a new export strategy, focusing on alternative and more stable markets.” 

CEO of Gruppo Lunelli, based in northern Italy, Matteo Lunelli expressed similar concerns to Italian newspaper la Repubblica on Monday. He said: “The United States were our first country; now we need to pay more attention to other areas.” 

Lunelli named opportunities in Japan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and the Middle East. He also noted Canada as a growing market.