Italian pasta producers are facing a major blow in the United States — their largest export market outside Europe — as the U.S. government prepares to impose tariffs of up to 107% beginning January 1, 2026. The move follows accusations from Washington that Italian companies are selling pasta in the U.S. at unfairly low prices, or “dumping.”
The new measures come on top of the 15% tariff already imposed by the White House, with an additional 91.74% expected to be added after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The probe, prompted by complaints from American pasta manufacturers, specifically targeted two Italian producers — La Molisana and Garofalo — but the resulting penalties will apply to nearly all Italian exporters.
Each year, the Department of Commerce reviews Italian pasta imports, typically leading to small adjustments of one or two percentage points. This year’s finding, however, marks an unprecedented escalation: between July 2023 and June 2024, investigators determined “weighted average dumping margins” of 91.74%.
Besides La Molisana and Garofalo, the Department’s report also listed Barilla, Rummo, Pastificio Liguori, Sgambaro, Cocco, Tamma, Gruppo Milo, Chiavenna, Agritalia, Antiche Tradizioni di Gragnano, and several others. Companies already producing in the U.S., such as Barilla, are expected to feel less impact from the new tariffs.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it has been monitoring the case since September, when the preliminary findings were released. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida said he and Italy’s ambassador to Washington, Marco Peronaci, are working closely on the matter: “We are following this alleged anti-dumping case very carefully. It represents an unnecessary and unjustified protectionist measure against our pasta makers.”
Luigi Scordamaglia, CEO of Filiera Italia, condemned the decision as “a forced and opportunistic move” designed to benefit American pasta producers at the expense of Italian exporters.
The 107% tariffs threaten to devastate one of Italy’s most iconic industries. Of the country’s more than 4 million tonnes of annual pasta production, 60% is exported. The U.S. alone accounts for nearly $700 million in sales — a significant share of an industry worth €8.7 billion annually.
Italian food associations reacted with outrage. Unione Italiana Food called the 91.74% duty “an insult to Made in Italy,” insisting that the decision was politically motivated rather than based on objective evidence. Coldiretti, Italy’s leading farmers’ group, described the move as “a mortal blow to Italian products,” warning that the tariffs would double the cost of pasta dishes for American consumers and fuel the spread of fake “Italian-sounding” brands.
Coldiretti urged the Italian government and the European Union to defend “a symbol of the Mediterranean diet” and safeguard the reputation and livelihood of thousands of producers tied to Italy’s agri-food system.
Meanwhile, Senator Silvia Fregolent of Italia Viva criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for failing to act: “While the United States attacks Made in Italy, this government remains silent. Our companies need real support and a coherent trade strategy — not just empty statements. Otherwise, it will be Italian workers and families who pay the price.”