Americans may be left without French champagne and Italian Parmesan due to Donald Trump’s plans to impose 25% tariffs on imports from the EU, Financial Times reports.
French and Italian producers warn that the sharp price increase will make their products unaffordable for most Americans. Champagne, Parmesan, olive oil, prosciutto, and other iconic European goods could see significant price hikes, leading to decreased demand and a blow to export sales.
Experts emphasize that European delicacies cannot be easily replaced, as their taste and quality depend on unique regional climates and traditional production methods. French champagne is produced exclusively in the Champagne region, while Italian Parmesan comes from specific provinces in Italy, where strict standards are upheld.
If the new tariffs take effect, European companies will be forced to seek alternative markets, while American consumers may turn to cheaper domestic substitutes. The beneficiaries could be California wine producers and local farmers who make cheese using European techniques. However, connoisseurs note that fully replicating the original flavors remains impossible.
