US Plans 107% Tariffs on Italian Pasta, Threatening Major Brands

The United States is set to impose substantial tariffs on select Italian pasta imports, potentially reaching as high as 107%. This significant move threatens the availability of 13 major brands in grocery stores nationwide. The decision follows an investigation into allegations of ‘dumping’, where Italian exporters are accused of selling pasta below domestic market value, thereby undercutting American producers.

Should these tariffs be enacted, American consumers may face increased prices and a reduction in the variety of authentic Italian pasta available. For Italian exporters, this situation marks a critical disruption to one of their most profitable markets. According to industry analysts, the implications could extend beyond pasta, indicating a new phase of escalating trade tensions between the United States and Italy, a key European partner.

Impact on the Italian Pasta Market

The proposed tariffs consist of a standard 15% duty combined with a 92% anti-dumping levy, resulting in a total of 107%. The brands identified in the investigation include La Molisana and Garofalo, which faced scrutiny for submitting incomplete or untranslated documentation, delaying the investigation process. Notably, Barilla, which partially produces its pasta in the United States, is also included in this tariff proposal.

Italian pasta constitutes a £3.5 billion (approximately €4 billion or $4.7 billion) export industry. In 2024, the United States imported £600 million (around $700 million) worth of Italian pasta, accounting for 12% of the US pasta market. If the tariffs take effect, consumers could experience significant consequences. The total US pasta consumption is around £5 billion (about $5.8 billion) annually, meaning that losing £600 million in imports would drastically limit the options available to American shoppers.

Responses and Future Implications

The announcement has elicited strong reactions from Italian officials. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida has characterized the tariffs as ‘hyper-protectionist’. In response to the potential trade dispute, the European Commission is reportedly preparing to escalate the matter to the World Trade Organisation if any shortcomings are found in the US investigation.

The 92% anti-dumping duty is currently preliminary and could undergo changes following a formal review scheduled for early 2026. Affected companies are actively requesting revisions in an effort to reduce or eliminate the proposed tariffs. The situation not only revolves around pasta but also reflects broader trade dynamics. With tariffs nearing 107%, Italian pasta exporters face difficult decisions: they may need to absorb the hefty duties, significantly raise prices, or withdraw from the US market altogether.

As the review process unfolds, the potential loss of 12% of pasta options for consumers looms large. Additionally, Italy’s food industry could suffer a major setback, losing a crucial export channel. All eyes will be on the evolving relationship between trade law, national interests, and cultural heritage, all through the lens of a beloved staple: pasta.