US Department of Commerce Reduces Proposed Tariffs on Italian Pasta Imports
The US Department of Commerce has reduced the proposed tariffs on Italian pasta products to a range between 2% and 14% after a review process. A final decision on the duties is expected by 12 March.
Italy accounts for approximately $770 million (around £570 million) annually in pasta exports to the US. Thirteen Italian producers were targeted in the review, representing about 16% of pasta imports from Italy; these include well-known brands such as Barilla, La Molisana, and Garofalo.
The preliminary analysis indicated that the producers had adequately addressed the Department of Commerce's questions regarding the tariffs. Specifically, Italy's foreign ministry stated that La Molisana would face around a 2.26% duty, Garofalo about 14%, and the remaining 11 producers about 9.09%.
It is important to note that an existing 15% tariff on most European Union goods remains in place, with the new pasta duties to be added on top of this.
The European Commission has expressed readiness to intervene if necessary, while Italy’s agricultural association Coldiretti described the tariffs as a fatal blow to Italy’s pasta industry.
This shift in the stance towards Italian pasta tariffs follows a recent delay by the US in increasing tariffs on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities. The White House described ongoing negotiations with various trade partners as productive.
