BY COMFORT OGBONNA
Italy’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that the United States has significantly reduced previously proposed import duties on several Italian pasta producers following a reassessment of their business activities in the U.S. market, easing fears of a sharp blow to one of Italy’s most important food export sectors.
In October, U.S. authorities had announced plans to impose an additional 92% duty on pasta imported from 13 Italian companies, on top of the standard 15% tariff applied to most European Union goods. The measures, which were due to take effect in January 2026, were based on allegations that some Italian producers were selling pasta in the U.S. at unfairly low prices. Two companies in particular, La Molisana and Garofalo, were singled out at the time as major offenders.
However, following a detailed review by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the proposed penalties were sharply revised downward. La Molisana’s tariff rate was cut to just 2.26%, while Garofalo’s duty was set at 13.98%, according to a statement from Italy’s foreign ministry. The remaining 11 pasta producers, which were not individually assessed during the review process, will face a tariff of 9.09%, far below the originally threatened level.
The foreign ministry welcomed the decision, describing the recalculation of duties as a clear signal that U.S. authorities had acknowledged the willingness of Italian companies to cooperate fully with the review process and provide transparent information about their operations. Italian officials stressed that this cooperation played a key role in securing the reduced rates.
The ministry added that the final conclusions of the U.S. review are expected to be released on March 11 and said it would continue to support the affected companies in the weeks ahead to ensure their interests are protected. Italian diplomats have been actively engaged with U.S. counterparts as the case unfolded, reflecting the importance of the issue for Italy’s agri-food exports.
The initial threat of steep pasta tariffs had been politically sensitive for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has invested heavily in cultivating close relations with U.S. President Donald Trump and had hoped those ties would help shield Italian exporters from new trade barriers. The revised decision is likely to be seen in Rome as a partial diplomatic success.
Pasta remains one of Italy’s most valuable food exports. According to data from national statistics agency ISTAT, Italy’s total pasta exports were worth more than 4 billion euros ($4.7 billion) in 2024. The United States is a crucial market, accounting for nearly $800 million in sales, making the easing of proposed tariffs a significant relief for Italian producers and exporters alike.
Original article
Comments