Italian pasta producers have narrowly avoided a major blow after the United States dramatically reduced proposed tariffs that had threatened to make imports prohibitively expensive. The Trump administration had considered imposing duties of nearly 92% on pasta from 13 Italian companies, a move that could have pushed total import taxes above the product’s actual value once existing EU tariffs were included. On Thursday, Italy’s foreign ministry confirmed that Washington had stepped back from the plan following talks with Italian authorities and industry representatives.
Dumping Claims and Consumer Fears
The dispute stemmed from US allegations that Italian pasta was being sold at “less than normal value,” a practice known as dumping, which officials argued harmed American producers. The Commerce Department’s preliminary decision had alarmed retailers and consumers, as higher tariffs would likely have translated into sharp price rises on supermarket shelves. Economists warned the measure risked worsening cost-of-living pressures, despite pasta from the targeted firms accounting for only a small share of total Italian imports.
Revised Rates Ease Political Tensions
Under the revised approach, tariffs have been cut to far lower levels, with some brands, including La Molisana, facing rates as low as 2.26%, while others will pay up to 13.98%. US officials said Italian companies had addressed many concerns raised during the investigation and stressed that discussions would continue before a final ruling. The decision also eases pressure on Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has sought to maintain strong ties with President Trump as his administration continues to recalibrate its wider tariff strategy.
