Background on the Italian Pasta Industry and Key Players
The Italian pasta industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with total exports valued at over €4,000 million (approximately $4.7 billion) in 2024, according to data from the Italian National Statistics Institute (ISTAT). The United States market alone accounted for nearly $800 million for Italian pasta companies.
Two prominent Italian pasta producers, La Molisana and Garofalo, have been at the center of a trade dispute with the United States. The U.S. accused these companies, along with eleven others, of selling pasta at unfairly low prices. In October, the U.S. announced that these thirteen Italian pasta manufacturers would face an additional tariff of 92% on top of the regular 15% duty on most EU imports starting January 2026.
Italy’s Diplomatic Efforts and the U.S. Response
Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the U.S. Department of Commerce conducted a reassessment of these Italian companies’ activities in the U.S. market, leading to a significant reduction in proposed tariffs.
As a result of this reevaluation, the additional tariff for La Molisana was reduced to 2.26%, and Garofalo’s tariff was set at 13.98%. The remaining eleven companies, which were not individually reviewed, now face a 9.09% tariff.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The revised calculation of tariffs is a signal that U.S. authorities recognize the constructive cooperation willingness of our companies.” They also mentioned that the full review conclusions would be released on March 11 and pledged to continue supporting affected companies in the coming weeks.
Impact on Italian Pasta Exporters and Political Context
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had anticipated that her close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump would protect Italian companies from additional tariffs. However, the threat of tariffs on pasta became a point of embarrassment for Meloni and her government.
The Italian pasta industry’s substantial exports to the U.S. market underscore the importance of resolving this trade dispute. With the reduced tariffs, Italian pasta producers may see a decrease in financial strain and improved market access in the United States.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the initial tariff dispute about? The U.S. accused thirteen Italian pasta manufacturers, including La Molisana and Garofalo, of selling pasta at unfairly low prices.
- What tariffs were initially proposed? An additional tariff of 92% was announced for the thirteen Italian pasta companies, on top of the regular 15% duty on most EU imports, set to take effect in January 2026.
- What tariff reductions were implemented? La Molisana’s additional tariff was reduced to 2.26%, and Garofalo’s tariff was set at 13.98%. The remaining eleven companies now face a 9.09% tariff.
- What is the significance of these tariff changes? The revised tariffs indicate that U.S. authorities acknowledge the cooperative efforts of Italian pasta companies.
- How important is the U.S. market for Italian pasta exporters? The U.S. market accounted for nearly $800 million in Italian pasta exports in 2024, highlighting the importance of resolving this trade dispute.
