Italy’s wine industry is continuing to struggle in early 2026, as exports face mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs introduced a year ago. According to data released by Italy’s national statistics agency Istat, the value of Italian wine exports fell by 13.3% in the first two months of the year, totaling just over €1.03 billion.
The sharp downturn is being driven largely by losses in the United States, traditionally the leading international market for Italian wine. Before the tariffs were imposed, the U.S. accounted for roughly 24% of Italy’s total wine exports, with annual shipments valued at nearly €2 billion.
An analysis by the Observatory of the Italian Wine Union (UIV) shows that, between April 2025 and March 2026, Italian wine exports to the U.S. dropped by 17% in value, equivalent to losses of more than €340 million. Export volumes also declined by 9%, reaching their lowest level in a decade.
Industry experts say Italian producers have been forced to absorb part of the additional tariff costs in order to remain competitive, cutting average prices by nearly 9% to avoid passing the full burden on to American consumers.
The figures confirm fears within the sector that prolonged trade tensions could permanently weaken Italy’s position in one of its most strategic overseas markets.