MNI: Meloni To Back Bessent Trade Strategy In DC Visit-Sources

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is likely to express support for a strategy proposed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent under which the European Union and other American allies would first strike a trade deal with Washington before approaching Beijing collectively, sources close to the governing coalition told MNI.

Meloni, who will arrive in Washington next week and hopes to position herself as an intermediary between the U.S. and Brussels, is ready to assure President Donald Trump that she will lobby to prioritise transatlantic trade talks during the 90-day suspension period announced for higher tariff rates.

The Italian premier remains in close contact with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to maintain a united front, and has agreed to advocate for the EU’s proposed “zero for zero” tariff deal on industrial goods between the two economies.

Meloni had earlier attempted unsuccessfully to obtain bilateral trade concessions for Italy from the U.S., sources noted. Remarks on Thursday by Trump, in which he expressed a preference to negotiate with the EU as a bloc, have further dissuaded her from any temptation to try to bypass Brussels. (See MNI: Italy Speaks To US Over Limiting Tariff Impact -Officials)

Rome sees the White House visit as a political lifeline for Meloni, who has felt increasingly isolated on the international stage and faces domestic pressure from attempts by her junior coalition partner the League attempts to influence Vice President J.D. Vance. 

Trump’s unpredictability is also pushing the Italian government to align more closely with EU allies, though officials expect Meloni to receive a warmer welcome at the White House than other European leaders, a diplomatic source told MNI. (See MNI: Defence Spending Deepens Italian Government Fractures)

The two leaders will also discuss topics related to Ukraine, Nato and European rearmament.

PRIORITISE U.S., THEN CHINA

Italy is prepared to support a pause in European trade talks with China until the possibility of a deal with the U.S. has been fully explored — but without adopting the “inflamed rhetoric” of the Trump administration toward Beijing, sources said. (See MNI: EU To Keep China Option In Reserve As Seeks US Deal)

“Our style was seen with the Belt and Road initiative. We walked away but we avoided offending Beijing,” an official said, adding that Italy’s natural position would be to listen carefully to its long-standing ally before shifting direction.

The official added that the announcement by the U.S. of a 90-day tariff reprieve April 2 appeared intended to open the door to negotiations. Regardless of whether this was forced by market turmoil or not, the world understands that the U.S. is uncomfortable with the current global trade system and wants to change some things, the official said.