Claudio Feltrin on Trump’s tariffs at Salone del Mobile 2025 press conference – ©Andrea Mariani:Salone del Mobile.Milano.

Design. US President Donald Trump announced he would impose up to 10% tariffs on European products sold in the US. “I have been thinking about it at night,” said Claudio Feltrini, President of FederlegnoArredo, Italy’s Federation for the Wood and Design Industry, at the press conference of Salone del Mobile.Milano 2025.

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Entrance of Salone del Mobile.Milano – Photo by Salone del Mobile.

The world’s most important design fair, which will take place from April 8 to 13, will feature 2,000 exhibitors from Italy and 37 other countries. The total turnover of the Italian brands exhibiting in Milan is 9,238,429,199 euros, while the turnover of the foreign ones is 6,989,984,073 euros. All great! Yes, but… “In 2025, we better play by ear, be prudent. Given the current situation, it’s difficult to make forecasts,” said Claudio Feltrini.

“We closed the last edition with record numbers: over 370,000 professionals from 146 countries. This year, the Salone will yet again open with a totally sold-out exhibition area, despite the uncertainties of the global scenarios.” Added Maria Porro, President of Salone del Mobile.Milano.

Maria Porro at Salone del Mobile 2025 press conference – ©Andrea Mariani:Salone del Mobile.Milano.

“If you had asked me last week, I would have rated my worry at 110 out of 100 – Continues Feltrini – Today is slightly different.” Indeed, in the past few days, President Trump swiftly reached a deal with Mexico and Canada, suspending tariffs he previously announced. “He’s got a strategy, he’s crafty. That is why it is fundamental that Europe prepares well for the negotiation table.”

Despite the global crisis, design Made in Italy held onto its 2019 market share. “The Italian design industry relies on exports, which account for 53% of the total turnover. The EU is our main market, but the future of business is extra-European. And America is the second market – and the only growing one in 2024.”

Claudio Feltrin at Salone del Mobile 2025 press conference – ©Andrea Mariani/Salone del Mobile.Milano.

All photos are courtesy of Salone del Mobile.Milano.