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 goods 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 “out of spite” 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 Roquefort  – which is specifically exempted – are hit by the tax, as well as many other foods, wines, and other products.