US Slashes Proposed Tariffs on Italian Pasta Producers After Department of Commerce Review
The United States has reduced its proposed tariffs on Italian pasta imports to a range of 2% to 14%, following a review by the Department of Commerce (DoC). The final tariff decision is expected on 12 March. These tariffs would be added on top of the existing 15% tariff applied to most goods imported from the European Union.
The US had targeted 13 Italian pasta producers, including major brands Barilla, La Molisana, and Pastificio Lucio Garofalo, which together account for approximately 16% of Italy's pasta exports to the US. Italy estimates that annual US sales from its pasta producers amount to around $770 million (roughly £570 million).
Specific duties for these companies include a 2.26% tariff for La Molisana, about 14% for Garofalo, and approximately 9.09% for the remaining 11 producers. The Department of Commerce's preliminary analysis indicated that the Italian firms addressed many of the questions raised during the investigation.
The Italian agriculture association Coldiretti warned that these tariffs could be a fatal blow to Italy’s pasta industry. Additionally, the European Commission has stated it will intervene if necessary.
Separately, the White House announced a delay of tariff increases on upholstered furniture, kitchen cabinets, and vanities for another year. If implemented, duties on cabinets and vanities would rise to 50%, and on furniture to 30%, with ongoing negotiations cited as the reason for postponement.
