Italy Rejects Trump's Push for Bilateral Trade Deals with EU States

U.S. President Donald Trump cannot negotiate bilateral trade deals with individual European Union member states, as it would undermine the bloc's trade unity, Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso stated in an interview with Corriere della Sera on Wednesday.

Italy, which holds a significant trade surplus with the U.S., is closely monitoring Washington's tariff policies. However, Urso noted that the recently announced steel and aluminum duties would have minimal impact on Italian exports.

Despite Trump's close ties with Italy’s conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Urso stressed that bypassing EU institutions for trade deals is legally impossible. "EU member states cannot independently negotiate trade agreements, adjust tariffs, or implement anti-dumping measures," he said.

The European Union’s trade ministers are set to discuss a coordinated response to the new tariffs in a virtual meeting on Wednesday. Urso warned that a potential trade war with the U.S. could have severe economic repercussions.

While Meloni remains committed to EU trade policies, she aims to leverage her strong relationship with the Trump administration to prevent an escalation that would harm both sides, Urso added.

With growing concerns over tariffs and transatlantic trade tensions, the EU is expected to take a unified stance to protect its economic interests.