Agri-food, mechanics, automotive, and pharmaceuticals among the sectors most affected by US tariffs
Digital operators are experiencing the need to integrate logistics, regulations, and commercial strategies: the testimony of Calicantus, a leader in full outsourcing e-commerce management.
The New De Minimis Regime and the Impact of US Tariffs
Starting from August 29, 2025, the USA has drastically changed the de minimis regime for all commercial shipments to the United States, regardless of the entry channel (online or offline).
The value threshold of 800 dollars below which imported goods could enter duty-free has been eliminated. In 2024, 1.36 billion shipments under the 800-dollar threshold were imported into the USA, with a total value of 64.6 billion dollars.
Product Origin and New Customs Rules
Country of Origin and Special Tariffs
The country of origin criterion has become crucial: if a good is produced in China, even if sold or shipped by an Italian company to the United States, the duty will be calculated based on “made in China.”
This applies to both general tariffs and special ones related to trade disputes, such as the Section 301/Tariff Policy on Chinese products.
The 15% Single Duty from the European Union
In addition, a single duty of 15% on goods from the European Union has been introduced, replacing the previous 10%. A measure that has reshaped the balance of European exports overseas, directly affecting the competitiveness of companies.
Italian Companies most Affected by US Tariffs
According to estimates, about 34,000 Italian companies are exposed to the new tariff regime, especially in the sectors:
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Agri-food: the most penalized sector, with wines, oils, and typical products facing increased costs upon entry into the USA.
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Automotive: despite a reduction in tariffs from 25% to 15%, it remains under pressure due to reduced margins and strong Asian competition.
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Pharmaceuticals: for the first time included among the affected sectors, with European medicines subject to new tariff barriers.
Macroeconomic Impact of US Tariffs
The increase in tariffs, combined with the strengthening of the dollar, has led to an increase in final prices in the American market, reducing demand.
Confcommercio and other associations estimate a negative effect on the European GDP between 0.2 and 0.3 percentage points in the months of August and September alone. Italy, along with Germany, is among the most vulnerable economies due to its strong export propensity to the USA.
Istat Data
The latest Istat data at the end of September confirm the trend: in August 2025, Italian exports to the USA decreased by 21.2% year-on-year, with a widespread decline in almost all non-EU27 markets.
Beyond Steel: US Tariffs also Hit Digital
While traditional sectors like steel and aluminum continue to face high tariffs (50%), customs barriers today affect all business models.
In cross-border digital commerce, the impact is immediate: prices, shipments, and customer experience are redesigned in real-time.
Calicantus’s View on US Tariffs
Calicantus, a Venetian company active as an Ecommerce Service Provider and Merchant of Record for international brands, observes these dynamics daily.
Compliance as a Competitive Advantage
“The point is not just to manage the emergency,” emphasizes Valentino Bergamo, CEO of Calicantus, “but to turn customs compliance into a competitive advantage.
Those who can ensure certain times, transparent costs, and a smooth customer experience even during a crisis gain trust and market share.”
Anticipate rather than React
“In recent months,” continues Bergamo, “we have seen companies forced to block entire shipping lines due to the impact of the new tariffs.
Those who have invested in customs cost monitoring and simulation tools have managed to reorient sales in real-time, without losing continuity.”
The Strategic Levers of Calicantus
Calicantus indicates some practices already applied in international projects to tackle US tariffs:
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Export documentation in paperless mode.
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Direct management of duties and customs practices in over 200 countries.
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Real-time adaptation of sales and shipping policies.
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Diversification of markets and channels.
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Protection of the customer experience, even in scenarios of operational blockage or delay.
US Tariffs as a Structural Dynamic
The message is clear: tariff barriers are not isolated episodes, but part of a structural dynamic.
Preparing today means building the resilience needed to face tomorrow’s markets, where the regulatory variable will be permanent and agility the true competitive asset.
