Tajani: EU Was Right to Suspend Tariff Retaliation, Talks with US Will Take Time

ANCONA – Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani praised the European Union on Monday for avoiding a trade war with the United States by suspending retaliatory tariffs, though he acknowledged that negotiations remain in their early stages and could take months to finalize.

Speaking from Ancona, Tajani said the EU “did well to prevent a trade war” and confirmed that current talks are limited to a general framework involving a 15% tariff. He added that exemptions still need to be evaluated “sector by sector,” noting that final decisions will come only after a lengthy negotiation process.

Tajani stressed that Italy is working closely with both Brussels and Washington to protect its high-quality exports and sees the current tariff landscape as a potential advantage over countries facing higher duties. He concluded by calling for strong government action to defend Italy’s business sector and maintain its competitiveness on global markets.