ROME, ITALY– Italian pasta makers are sounding the alarm over new, severe US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump’s administration, which threaten to cripple one of Italy’s most valued exports. These additional duties, potentially reaching close to 100% in early 2026, are projected to double the price of Italian pasta for American consumers.
The US Department of Commerce initiated an investigation into alleged “dumping“—where Italian companies are accused of exporting products at unfairly low prices. Following this probe, the US plans to impose up to 92% in additional tariffs on several top Italian pasta brands, including industry giants like Barilla, Pasta Rummo, La Molisana, and Garofalo.
Antonio Rummo, a descendant of the founder of Pasta Rummo, expressed deep concern, noting that the expected tariffs could cause the price of a typical $4 pack of pasta to double. This comes despite recent growth in the US market, where American consumers have shown appreciation for traditional Italian pasta-making methods.
Diplomatic Hopes Fade
The announcement has dashed hopes within the Italian food industry. Producers had believed their exports would be protected after a recent agreement between the US and the European Union reduced general tariffs to 15%. Furthermore, the close relationship between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Trump had led many to assume Italian pasta would be immune from further trade action.
The move has been widely dubbed in the Italian media as “Trump’s war against pasta.” Critics argue the tariffs are a calculated, “hyper-protectionist” strategy—similar to those used in sectors like pharmaceuticals—designed to pressure Italian manufacturers into setting up production facilities within the United States.
Industry Stands Firm
Despite the pressure, prominent Italian companies are resisting calls to move production abroad. Emidio Mansi, marketing director for Garofalo, stated clearly: “We’ve been in Gragnano since 1789 and are not moving.”
Italy’s Agriculture Minister, Francesco Lollobrigida, publicly condemned the tariffs, saying there is no valid reason for the US to enforce such harsh measures. Ettore Prandini, president of Coldiretti, Italy’s largest agriculture association, warned that the tariffs could deliver a “fatal blow” to the pasta industry, which exported more than €4 billion (Rs 41,000 Crore) worth of product in 2024, with the US being a top market.
The European Commission and the Italian government are currently engaged in intense lobbying efforts in Washington, hoping diplomatic pressure can still prevent the tariffs from taking effect.
