As the clock ticks down to April 2, 2025, a cloud of uncertainty looms over Tuscany's economy, particularly for its automotive sector. With the imminent introduction of new tariffs by the United States, approximately 6,000 jobs linked to automotive manufacturing in the region are at risk. This situation has sparked widespread concern among local industry leaders and workers alike.
Tuscany, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, is also a key player in Italy's economy, ranking as the fourth largest region for exports. Florence, its capital, is the third largest province in Italy for exports, with a staggering total of 24.5 billion euros in goods traded abroad. The US remains Tuscany's largest market, with over 10 billion euros in sales, accounting for nearly 17% of total global sales, a 12% increase from 2023.
The automotive sector, which saw exports totaling 987 million euros last year, is particularly vulnerable. "The decisions of the United States regarding tariffs seem to be an open chapter, making it difficult to evaluate their overall impact on our territory," commented Daniele Matteini, president of Confindustria Toscana Nord. He added that any measures hindering the free movement of goods severely compress growth opportunities.
Daniele Calosi, secretary of Fiom Cgil, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the automotive sector in Tuscany is crucial. "We were once one of the major Italian regions for automotive production, but since 2000 we have lost many companies. If a company operates less due to tariffs, the first to pay the consequences are the workers. We are worried, and this impact also reflects the absence of European and Italian industrial policies for the automotive sector, something we have been denouncing for a long time," he stated.
Beyond automotive, the potential tariffs pose significant threats to Tuscany's agri-food sector, particularly regarding wine exports, which could face tariffs as high as 200%. Valentino Berni, president of Cia Toscana, stressed the urgency of countering the potential devastating effects of US tariffs, warning of severe consequences for businesses and citizens alike. "We must do everything possible to mitigate the explosive effects of the impending US tariffs, which could lead to enormous damage to businesses and the proliferation of 'Italian sounding' products, jeopardizing employment opportunities from other countries," he said.
Giovanni Busi, president of the Consorzio Vino Chianti, recently penned a letter to various ministers regarding the proposed 200% tariff on European alcoholic beverages, including wine. He warned that if this tariff were implemented, local producers would struggle to compete, leading to incalculable damage and potentially jeopardizing the 2025 grape harvest. "Without room for new wine, many producers will be unable to harvest grapes come September. It is crucial that our institutions take immediate action," Busi urged.
The pharmaceutical sector, which represents the largest share of Tuscan exports at 11 billion euros in 2024, along with leather goods and textiles, are also at risk. The impact of a trade war could reverberate throughout the region, affecting various industries.
In a related development, luxury car manufacturer Ferrari announced it would raise prices by up to 10% in response to the potential tariffs. The company confirmed that commercial conditions for orders of all imported models placed before April 2, 2025, would remain unchanged, as would orders for the Ferrari 296 and SF90 families. In 2024, Ferrari delivered 3,452 models to the US, accounting for 25% of its total deliveries, with revenue from the US reaching approximately 1.65 billion euros, up from 1.35 billion euros the previous year.
Stellantis, which exports models like the Fiat 500 electric and Alfa Romeo Giulia to the US, has taken a different approach, aligning with the US government's vision of boosting domestic production and jobs. Meanwhile, Pininfarina's CEO Silvio Angori believes the tariffs are a temporary issue, stating, "In the immediate term, tariffs represent a problem, but they seem to be tactical rather than strategic initiatives. Resilience becomes essential."
However, not all are as optimistic. Gian Marco Giorda, director of Anfia, expressed concerns about the significant impact the tariffs could have on Italian component manufacturers, stating, "While the tariffs may not be devastating, they will certainly add to the uncertainty in an already struggling market.
On the ground, the anxiety surrounding the tariffs has sparked protests among workers. On March 28, 2025, approximately 5,000 metalworkers marched in Turin, demanding the renewal of the national collective agreement amidst fears of job losses due to the impending tariffs. Fernando Uliano, secretary general of Fim-Cisl, highlighted the potential repercussions for the component industry, which employs over 280,000 workers, many of whom supply parts to German car manufacturers that export heavily to the US.
While some union leaders, like Luigi Paone of Uilm Turin, remain optimistic about the situation in Turin, others, like Edi Lazzi of Fiom, argue that a comprehensive policy addressing both military and economic international conflicts is necessary to navigate the challenges ahead.
As the April deadline approaches, the stakes are high for Tuscany's economy and its workers. The looming tariffs could reshape the landscape of several key industries, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for one of Italy's most vibrant regions.
