In a significant development for international trade, the United States has dramatically scaled back its proposed import taxes on pasta from Italy. Initial threats of tariffs as high as 92% have been reduced to a range of 2% to 14% following a government review.
The dispute centered on allegations that over a dozen major Italian pasta manufacturers were engaging in unfair pricing practices, effectively “dumping” their products on the U.S. market. These producers account for a substantial portion of the nearly $800 million in pasta the U.S. imports from Italy annually.
According to a preliminary determination by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Italian companies have cooperated with the investigation, leading to the sharp reduction in the planned duties. A final decision is expected in March.
Specific rates have been outlined for key firms, with one major producer facing a duty of just over 2%, while another will see a tariff of approximately 14%. The majority of the other companies involved will be subject to a rate near 9%.
This move represents a notable shift in tone and provides relief to an Italian industry that had warned the original proposal would be devastating. The decision follows a separate U.S. announcement to postpone planned tariff increases on other imported goods, including furniture and cabinetry, suggesting a broader recalibration of trade policy.
Italian officials have welcomed the revised figures, interpreting them as a recognition of their producers’ willingness to engage constructively with U.S. authorities. The European Union had previously indicated it was prepared to intervene in the matter if the high tariffs were enacted.