Overview

• Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is meeting President Donald Trump in Washington to advocate for eliminating reciprocal tariffs under a zero-for-zero framework.
• Trump's 20% tariffs on EU goods, reduced to 10% for 90 days, have prompted the EU to suspend planned retaliatory duties during ongoing negotiations.
• Italy, as the fourth-largest global exporter with 10% of its exports going to the U.S., faces significant economic risks if tariffs escalate.
• Meloni's visit is closely coordinated with EU leadership, amid concerns from Brussels and member states about maintaining a unified trade negotiating position.
• Trump is also pressing NATO allies, including debt-laden Italy, to increase defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP, adding strategic complexity to the talks.