Philadelphia — Imagine the impact if your favorite pasta more than doubled in price. That’s the reality for many American consumers if proposed tariffs on Italian pasta go through. Currently, a 92% duty is being considered on pasta imports, in addition to a 15% tariff already imposed under former President Trump.
This situation stems from an investigation by the U.S. Commerce Department into claims that Italian pasta brands sold at unfairly low prices. Some fear that this could devastate Italy’s pasta industry, which relies heavily on U.S. sales—the American market accounts for about 15% of Italy’s €4 billion ($4.65 billion) pasta exports, as reported by farmers’ group Coldiretti.
Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida emphasized the government’s efforts to fight the tariffs collaboratively with the European Commission. Experts suggest this could lead to significant price hikes for consumers. Margherita Mastromauro, president of the pasta producers’ sector in Italy, stated that the higher prices would eliminate their competitive edge against American-made pasta.
Lucio Miranda, a consultancy group president in New York, voiced concerns that a 107% tariff would severely damage export flow. He noted, “It’s not just a small increase; it would definitely kill this flow of exports.”
This scrutiny started after complaints from U.S. companies like 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, prompting a look into major Italian exporters La Molisana and Garofalo. But the Commerce Department’s findings suggest these companies didn’t provide necessary data, which has raised eyebrows among Italian producers.
In Benevento, home to Pasta Rummo, CEO Cosimo Rummo expressed outrage, claiming such tariffs make little sense for a staple food. “Who would pay ten dollars for pasta when they could buy wine?” he challenged.
As we move closer to a final decision set for January 2, many Italian producers worry the flow of pasta to U.S. plates might be forever altered. Meanwhile, American consumers await the potential rise in prices, hoping their love for Italian pasta won’t cost more than a decent bottle of wine.
For more information, you can visit the Associated Press.
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Donald Trump, Italy, U.S. Department of Commerce, International trade, General news, Tariffs and global trade, AP Top News, Commerce.com, Inc., Retail and wholesale, Government policy, Sal Auriemma, Robert Tramonte, Economic policy, Lucio Miranda, Politics, Francesco Lollobrigida, Business, Margherita Mastromauro, U.S. news, Italy government, United States government, Claudio Specialty Food, World news, U.S. News, World News
