{"id":6491,"date":"2026-04-29T11:51:49","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T09:51:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.araniasa.com\/?p=6491"},"modified":"2026-04-29T13:01:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T11:01:32","slug":"interview-with-federico-piccardi-sales-director-at-arania","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.araniasa.com\/en\/interview-with-federico-piccardi-sales-director-at-arania\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Federico Piccardi, Sales Director at Arania"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\u201cTo find new business opportunities, our target market is now the whole world\u201d<\/h1><\/div>
\"null\"<\/div><\/div>[vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1777460479506{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]It could be said that Federico Piccardi<\/a> is a born salesperson: where others see threats, he looks for opportunities, without losing sight of the future challenges facing Arania. Piccardi knows that the global economic landscape has shifted, that new commercial opportunities must now be sought beyond Europe, and that the main \u201cthreat\u201d to the sector lies in Asia. He also knows that the best way to respond to this challenge is through a value proposition based on service quality and high added-value products. In addition, he adds another ingredient to the formula: closeness and direct contact with customers, something that was lost during the Coronavirus pandemic. \u201cWe need to be with people, listen to them, understand their needs and ensure the customer feels close to their supplier.\u201d[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1777459286711{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]Question.<\/strong> Have you ever experienced such a complex international climate as the one we are currently facing with the war involving Iran?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Answer.<\/strong> It is particularly complex at the moment, but since Coronavirus we have gone through several turbulent years: the war in Ukraine, Trump\u2019s tariffs, the conflict involving Iran\u2026 We have almost become used to major events that change not only market dynamics, but the dynamics of life itself.<\/p>\n

Q.<\/strong> Blocked strategic maritime routes, shortages in raw material supply, soaring energy costs\u2026 what would you say is currently the most critical issue affecting the steel sector?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A.<\/strong> The steel industry depends heavily on energy, so it is directly affected. In the last few days we have seen gas prices double, oil rise from 50 or 60 dollars to 110\u2026 this has a direct impact on the steel sector, which had already been under considerable pressure for some time. If we look at Europe over the last 20 years, steel production has remained virtually flat or even declined, while in other regions it has grown significantly, almost tenfold. This will particularly affect the steel industry now, especially in Europe, which was already uncompetitive and will now become even less so. Another risk is a disruption to the supply chain.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1777459303116{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]Q.<\/strong> This conflict comes after the US administration tightened its tariff policy towards European countries…<\/strong><\/p>\n

A<\/strong>. Yes, tariff policy has become tougher. Other countries have followed suit, and it seems each continent is protecting itself. The United States is protecting itself from Europe and China, Europe is doing the same with China\u2026 We are seeing major changes at an economic level. In our case, we were selling to one country and suddenly found ourselves facing 50% tariffs, effectively shutting us out and causing us to lose sales. But on the other hand, new opportunities have opened up. We need to monitor all of this very closely because opportunities may emerge.[\/vc_column_text]

\u201cWe must look beyond Europe and seek new markets\u201d<\/h1><\/div>
\"null\"<\/div><\/div>[vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1777459316936{margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”]Q.<\/strong> Arania, like the rest of the Group, has always had a strong growth mindset and a clear commitment to internationalisation. Do these remain two of the company\u2019s core principles?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A.<\/strong> Yes, internationalisation has always been a clear vocation for us. We have consistently focused on it and invested in it. We used to talk about the European market, but now, to find new opportunities, our target market is the whole world. We also have a growth mindset, but above all we want to focus on service and quality. For many years we have based our business on three key values: service, people and quality. Internationalisation is essential, which is why we must now look beyond Europe and seek new markets.[\/vc_column_text]

\u201c75% of steel production is now in Asia, and that is very dangerous because it reaches Europe at very low prices\u201d<\/h1><\/div>
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