This Tuscan startup sold all its olive oil in the U.S. Then came Trump's tariffs

Published on August 5, 2025

Title: The Impact of Trump's Tariffs on European Olive Oil Exports to the US Market

The world of olive oil has been shaken by President Trump’s tariffs that have affected almost everything imported into the United States, including this staple ingredient. For years, Europeans have enjoyed a strong market in America for their high-quality olive oils, but now they face an uncertain future due to these new taxes.

The story of Olio Piro, a Tuscan startup that sold all its olive oil in the US before Trump's tariffs came into play, is just one example of how this policy change has impacted businesses across Europe. The siblings behind Olio Piro had been exporting their small-batch bottles to America where there was high demand for quality olive oils - something that Italy and other European countries are known for producing. However, with the introduction of these tariffs, they have been forced to rethink their expansion plans and look elsewhere for growth opportunities.

The historical context behind this issue is important to consider as well. Olive oil has long been a significant export from Europe to America, where it enjoys immense popularity among consumers who appreciate its health benefits and unique flavor profile compared to other oils. The US consumes almost 400,000 tons of olive oil annually, importing around 95% of what they use. This makes the American market a lucrative one for European producers like Olio Piro.

However, with Trump's tariffs now in place, these businesses face potential implications such as reduced sales and increased competition from domestic US producers who may benefit from lower production costs due to the absence of import taxes. Furthermore, there is also concern that if negotiations fail to secure exemptions for certain agricultural products like wine and olive oil, then prices could rise significantly for consumers in both Europe and America.

From my perspective, this development signifies a significant shift in global trade dynamics. It highlights how unilateral decisions made by powerful nations can have far-reaching consequences on smaller businesses operating within their markets. While it remains to be seen what the final outcome of these negotiations will be, one thing is certain - European olive oil producers must adapt quickly if they wish to continue thriving in this new landscape.

In conclusion, Trump's tariffs present a major challenge for European olive oil exporters like Olio Piro who have relied heavily on the US market for growth and success. As negotiations continue and details emerge regarding potential exemptions or changes to these taxes, it will be interesting to see how this industry adapts and evolves in response. Regardless of the outcome, however, one thing is clear - global trade has entered a new era marked by uncertainty and change.

Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/08/05/nx-s1-5464844/trump-tariffs-europe-olive-oil) #this

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