U.S. Imposes 107% Tax on Italian Pasta, Spaghetti Prices to Soar
Italian pasta lovers in the United States may soon face higher prices or difficulty finding their preferred brands. The Trump administration is considering imposing a significant tariff on 13 leading Italian pasta exporters. This proposed tariff, announced by the Commerce Department in September, would introduce an additional 92% anti-dumping duty due to findings that certain brands sold their products below market value in the U.S.
Impact of Proposed Tariffs on Italian Pasta
When combined with the existing 15% tariff on European Union products, the total duties on Italian pasta could reach as high as 107%. This would represent one of the steepest import rates instituted by the Trump administration.
Food industry analyst Phil Lempert warns that if the anti-dumping duty is implemented, American consumers could feel a substantial impact. He notes that some Italian brands might cease exports to the U.S., while others may elevate their prices.
Potential Consequences for Consumers
Lempert emphasized that the domestic manufacturing capacity in the U.S. is insufficient to meet demand. “You’re going to walk into the pasta aisle and see it half empty,” he stated.
Despite the level of concern, White House spokesperson Kush Desai reassured CBS News that Italian pasta is not vanishing from store shelves. He indicated that the anti-dumping proposal remains subject to review, allowing ample time for the affected pasta makers to respond before any final decisions are made.
Affected Italian Pasta Brands
Should the duties come into effect, 13 Italian pasta manufacturers will be directly affected, including:
- La Molisana
- Pastificio Lucio Garofalo
- Agritalia
- Aldino Antiche Tradizioni Di Gragnano
- Barilla
- Gruppo Milo
- Pastificio Artigiano Cav. Giuseppe Cocco
- Pastificio Chiavenna
- Pastificio Liguori
- Pastificio Sgambaro
- Pastificio Tamma
- Rummo
Background of the Tariff Proposal
Desai noted the ongoing investigation into these Italian pasta makers dates back to the mid-1990s. The Commerce Department has accused them of failing to provide required data during this investigation.
The impact of these tariffs, if enacted, could be significant. In 2022, the U.S. imported pasta from Italy valued at approximately $684 million, highlighting the importance of this market for Italian exporters.
As American pasta manufacturers argue that their Italian competitors undercut prices unfairly, the proposed tariffs may present a critical juncture for these overseas producers heavily reliant on the U.S. market.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders on both sides will continue to monitor developments closely.
