Italy fights US tariff hike on Pecorino Romano Exporters warn price spike could cut U.S. demand by 40%18 July 2025 18 July 2025 2 minute read 2 minute read By: By: Global Ag Media Europe North AmericaProducers of Pecorino Romano cheese, one of Italy's best known food exports, are lobbying to be spared new US tariffs that could raise consumer prices and take a chunk out of their export market, reported Reuters. Gianni Maoddi, president of the Consorzio di Tutela del Pecorino Romano, said the cheese has for more than 140 years been popular in the United States, which accounts for around 40% of annual exports. The consortium is holding talks, including with the cabinet of the European Commissioner for Agriculture and the office of the United States Trade Representative, to explain Pecorino Romano's unique qualities. The current U.S. price for Pecorino Romano ranges between $35 and $40 per kilo. Giuseppe Capuani, owner of "I Buonatavola," a Pecorino Romano production company, echoed the call for diplomacy and level-headed negotiation.