Italy Reports US Drops Trump’s Pasta Tariffs

The United States has officially reduced tariffs on Italian pasta, a significant decision announced by the Italian government on New Year’s Day. This shift comes amid ongoing political pressure in the US regarding rising living costs.

Details of the Tariff Reduction

Initially, the US Department of Commerce accused 13 Italian pasta companies of unfair trading practices, which led to proposed tariffs that could reach as high as 92 percent. Major brands affected include Barilla and premium labels such as La Molisana and Pastificio Lucio Garofalo.

However, the new duties have been significantly lowered to a range of 2 to 14 percent. Specifically, La Molisana’s tariff has been reduced to 2.26 percent, while Garofalo’s is now set at 13.98 percent. The other 11 affected producers will face a uniform tariff of 9.09 percent.

Impact and Economic Context

In 2024, the US imported approximately €671 million worth of pasta from Italy. The Italian government expressed that this revised tariff structure signals a recognition of their willingness to cooperate with US trade authorities. The diplomatic implications of these tariffs have been noted, particularly for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has maintained positive relations with the US administration.

• Pasta Import Tariffs:
  • La Molisana: 2.26%
  • Garofalo: 13.98%
  • Other producers: 9.09%
• Total US Pasta Imports from Italy (2024): €671 million
• Previous Proposed Tariff Rates: Up to 92%

Political Reactions and Future Forecasts

The backlash against the Trump-era tariffs had been considerable in both Rome and Brussels. Organizations like Coldiretti, Italy’s agribusiness association, warned that high tariffs could severely impact Italian pasta manufacturers, potentially cutting their export value significantly.

Further negotiations on tariffs have extended beyond pasta. The White House recently announced delays on tariff increases for other household items, such as furniture and kitchen cabinets, illustrating a broader policy shift toward easing economic pressures on consumers. This suggests a cooperative emphasis in trade negotiations, with officials encouraging ongoing dialogue with trading partners.

The US Commerce Department is expected to finalize its investigation into these pasta manufacturers by March, potentially further influencing future tariff adjustments.