92% US Tariff Threatens Italian Pasta Industry: Trump's Protectionist Policy Impacts Major Brands

Italy's pasta exports reached a value exceeding 4 billion Euros in 2024.

Italian pasta manufacturers have voiced significant alarm regarding newly announced US tariffs by President Donald Trump, describing them as a substantial threat to one of Italy's most cherished export products.

The Guardian reports that the United States plans to implement additional tariffs of up to 92% on numerous premier Italian pasta brands, including Pasta Rummo, La Molisana, Garofalo, and Barilla. These tariffs are scheduled to take effect in January 2026, following an investigation by the US Department of Commerce into alleged "dumping" practices - where manufacturers export goods at artificially reduced prices.

Antonio Rummo, descendant of Pasta Rummo's founder, noted that his company has experienced considerable expansion in the US market over the past six years, with American consumers showing appreciation for the traditional Italian production methods employed in their pasta making. He cautioned that the typical $4 package of pasta could see its price double if these tariffs are implemented.

Italian food producers had previously anticipated protection for their products after a recent US-EU agreement reduced general tariffs to 15%. The close political relationship between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Trump had also fostered optimism that Italian pasta would avoid further targeting. However, according to The Guardian, this hope has now dissipated.

Italian media has characterized the move as "Trump's war against pasta." Critics suggest these tariffs are strategically designed to pressure Italian companies into establishing production facilities within the United States, a tactic previously employed in other sectors such as pharmaceuticals.

Companies with deep Italian heritage like La Molisana and Garofalo have stated their firm commitment to maintaining production in Italy. "We've been in Gragnano since 1789 and are not moving," declared Emidio Mansi, marketing director for Garofalo.

Italy's agriculture minister, Francesco Lollobrigida, labeled the tariffs as "hyper-protectionist" and maintained there is no legitimate justification for the United States to impose such severe measures. Meanwhile, the European Commission and Italian government are actively lobbying Washington to reconsider this position.

Ettore Prandini, president of Coldiretti, Italy's largest agricultural association, warned that these tariffs could deliver a "fatal blow" to the pasta industry. He also highlighted the irony that the US market is saturated with imitation Italian food products, which have already negatively impacted authentic Italian exports.

Italy exported more than 4 billion Euros (approximately Rs 41,000 Crore) worth of pasta in 2024, with the United States representing one of its primary markets. Industry leaders and government officials remain hopeful that diplomatic efforts can still prevent these tariffs from being enforced.