Duties, Historical Trademarks Association raises alarm: risk of increased counterfeiting, Italian Sounding and relocation of valuable products

Rome, April 8, 2025 – “With the introduction of trade duties by the Trump administration, Historical Trademarks, the heart of our industrial and entrepreneurial heritage, are at risk of suffering not indifferent repercussions, in the United States but also in the rest of the world.” This is what Massimo Caputi, president of the Historical Trademarks Association, said in relation to the imposition of duties by the US.

“Italian exports to the United States have reached 70 billion by 2024, but it is mainly the Made in Italy brand, which is worth more than two billion globally, that is exposed. As consumer prices rise, counterfeiting is set to increase, and we estimate thatItalian Sounding-that is, the imitation of names, images and trademarks that evoke Italy while having nothing authentically Italian-already now at 60 billion, will increase by 10 percent in the next five years. In addition, cost pressures are likely to force companies to relocate even high value-added production. Now more than ever it is essential to take urgent action to defend the authenticity of Made in Italy globally. We are at the government’s disposal to immediately start a discussion table aimed at defending our historic companies and preserving the Italian entrepreneurial heritage.”