US Significantly Reduces Proposed Tariffs on Italian Pasta Producers
The United States initially proposed imposing tariffs as high as 91.74% on 13 Italian pasta producers, which, when combined with the existing 15% EU tariff, could have pushed taxes above 100% of the pasta's value. However, the Italian foreign ministry announced that the proposed tariff rates were drastically cut back, with La Molisana's tariff reduced to 2.26% and other producers facing rates up to 13.98%.
The US Department of Commerce stated that Italian pasta makers addressed many of their concerns, and that a final determination will follow further engagement with interested parties. These tariffs were based on anti-dumping claims that Italian pasta was being sold in the US at less than normal value, undermining US producers.
Though the tariffs would have affected only a small share of total Italian pasta imports, their imposition risked raising consumer prices in the US. Economists warned that such tariffs could lead to higher costs for consumers and increased living expenses.
Politically, the tariffs were sensitive given Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's close relationship with former President Trump. The reduction in tariffs reflects a broader trend of the Trump administration softening or delaying several tariff programs, including those on furniture and certain food products.
