Italian cheesemakers have hit out as US tariffs of 25% were added to exports of cheeses including Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino and Gorgonzola.

The additional tariffs, were added to a long list of EU goodsย by American President Donald Trump as a bitter US-EU dispute over aircraft subsidies rolls on.

The measures are expected to cause a 20 percent drop in sales of agro-food products to the US, Italian agricultural association Coldiretti said.
Cheesemakers accused the American government of slapping tariffs on many European DOP (protected designation of origin) products โ€œout of spiteโ€ as EU protections mean the US can’t sell its cheeses in Europe.

Protestors took to social media under the hashtag #iostocolparmigiano in support of the makers of the much-loved cheese, which is produced in the Emilia-Romagna. Cheeses from across Europe, including stilton, cheddar, and all blue-veined cheese but Roquefortย  – which is specifically exempted โ€“ are hit by the tax, as well as many other foods, wines, and other products.