American importers have been strategically building up their stocks of Italian Prosecco in response to potential tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump, as per wine industry data. Following Trump’s election, U.S. imports of Italian sparkling wine, predominantly Prosecco, surged by 41% in November, significantly surpassing consumer demand. The Union of Italian Wines trade association noted that importers were proactively filling the pipeline for future sales amidst tariff uncertainty. Despite Italian wines avoiding tariffs during Trump’s first term and no current announcements targeting European partners, Prosecco importers and distributors are taking precautionary actions to safeguard the market. Italy, exporting a significant portion of its wine to the U.S., remains vulnerable to potential tariffs, with wine exports totaling 1.9 billion euros last year. Prosecco emerged as the top-selling Italian wine in the U.S. in the previous year, capturing nearly 40% of all sales. The surge in Prosecco shipments to the U.S. even before Trump’s re-election, coupled with a threatened port strike, contributed to heightened deliveries. The market response also reflects concerns over impending tariffs. Giancarlo Guidolin, president of the Prosecco DOC consortium, highlighted the unexpected rise in warehouse stock, suggesting a proactive approach by industry players. Dina Opici, chairwoman of the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America, noted that the looming tariff threat may have bolstered import decisions. The proactive measures taken by importers underscore the industry’s readiness to navigate potential challenges and uncertainties in the market.