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U.S. Backs Off Steep Pasta Tariffs, Italian Officials Applaud Move
Washington has reportedly scaled back its proposed hefty tariffs on Italian-made pasta, a move welcomed by Italy’s foreign ministry on Thursday.
According to Italian officials, the U.S. Department of Commerce has significantly reduced the proposed duties on 13 Italian pasta manufacturers.
The initial rates, which soared as high as 92%, have been slashed to as low as 2.26%, effective January 1st. These new duties would have been in addition to existing 15% tariffs already applied to most imports from the European Union.
The Trump administration had initially suggested these anti-dumping levies following a review that indicated Italian pasta producers, including well-known brands like Barilla, La Molisana, and Pastificio Lucio Garofalo, were selling their products at artificially low prices, thereby disadvantaging U.S. manufacturers.
Experts had previously warned that the implementation of higher duties could have led to a significant increase in prices for Italian pasta on American shelves, potentially prompting some Italian producers to cease shipments to U.S. retailers.
“The recalculation of the duties is a sign that U.S. authorities recognize our companies’ genuine willingness to cooperate,” the Italian foreign ministry stated.
Specifically, imports from La Molisana will now face a 2.26% tariff, while Garofalo will see duties of nearly 14%. Eleven other pasta brands will be subject to a 9% import duty.
The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding these tariff adjustments.