The Italian Optical Goods Manufacturers’ Association (ANFAO) has launched urgent consultations with trade authorities and industry partners in response to a sweeping Executive Order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which imposes “global reciprocal tariffs” on all imports into the United States.
The order, signed on April 2 and enacted on April 5, places a blanket 10% tariff on all goods entering the U.S., regardless of their country of origin. However, for Italian eyewear products, the situation intensified on April 9 when tariffs were hiked to 20%, replacing the initial 10% rather than adding to it. When combined with pre-existing charges, which previously did not exceed 3%, the total import burden for Italian optical goods now stands significantly higher.
The United States is the largest export market for Italy’s eyewear industry, a sector long known for its luxury craftsmanship and global appeal. The new tariffs are expected to hit the industry hard, prompting ANFAO to intensify its advocacy efforts.
press release _ANFAO_tariffs_ USA_EN
In a statement issued Wednesday, ANFAO confirmed it is “closely monitoring the evolution of the situation,” and is in active dialog with Confindustria, The Vision Council, and the Italian Trade & Investment Agency (ITA) in New York. The association emphasized the urgent need for clear information and robust institutional engagement to support the sector through the uncertainty.
“The Italian eyewear industry must be supported promptly,” ANFAO said, noting the risk that U.S. protectionist measures could severely undermine competitiveness for Italian brands in one of their most critical export markets.
Notably, the “de minimis” exemption for shipments under $800 remains in place for most countries excluding China but this could soon change. U.S. officials have indicated that this exemption may be suspended once an automated customs duty collection system is implemented.
Industry observers warn that the new tariffs could not only impact pricing and profit margins but may also disrupt longstanding trade relations. For Italian manufacturers, many of whom rely on the U.S. market for a substantial portion of their revenues, the stakes are high.
ANFAO has pledged to continue its efforts to engage policymakers and disseminate critical information to its members, with the aim of mitigating the fallout from the newly enacted tariffs.
