The "reciprocal tariffs" announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last Wednesday have sparked strong discontent among the Italians, who believe the tariff policy is damaging Italy's interests and undermining global trade system.
In 2024, Italian exports to the United States took up 10 percent of its total exports, according to data from Italian National Institute of Statistics released in March. The value of Italian exports to the United States reached 65 billion euros (about 71.31 billion U.S. dollars) last year, according to the Italian industry association Confindustria. Italian media analysis suggests that Italy is one of the European Union countries most severely impacted by the U.S. tariffs.
Local residents in Rome expressed opposition to the U.S. tariff policy, viewing it as detrimental to Italy's relevant industries.
"The U.S. tariffs will bring serious issues to international trade. The Trump administration's policy is erroneous and unacceptable for the international trade system," said Pietro, a resident.
"The U.S. is imposing tariffs on islands inhabited solely by penguins. It is imposing tariffs on everyone in the world," said Elena, another resident.
Meanwhile, fears are also mounting among Italians over the potential repercussions on the global trade landscape.
"Imposing tariffs will undoubtedly have a severe impact on the economy. Levying tariffs amidst ongoing global conflicts brings no benefits to the economy. Provoking a trade war in this moment of 2025 is detrimental to the entire world," said Simone, also a resident.
"I believe the U.S. tariff policy is a complete disruption to the economy and democratic systems. The U.S. tariffs will face repercussions, benefiting only organized crime in the end. With the raised tariffs, goods will flow to the black market through organized crime, reminiscent of the prohibition era in the U.S. in the 1930s. Similar consequences are likely to occur this time," said Donata, another resident.
Italian residents condemn US tariffs for undermining global trade system
Italian residents condemn US tariffs for undermining global trade system
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
