Imported Italian pasta may soon become a luxury item in the United States. Beginning as early as January, new U.S. tariffs could raise import duties on pasta from 13 major Italian producers to as high as 107%, according to a preliminary decision from the U.S. Commerce Department. The move could more than double retail prices for consumers and threaten to shut some brands out of the American market entirely.
The tariffs target popular companies such as Barilla, La Molisana, Garofalo, and Rummo, all accused by the Commerce Department of “dumping” products in the U.S. market at prices below fair value. The department argues the penalties are necessary to protect domestic pasta manufacturers from unfair competition. However, Italian exporters say the decision could destroy years of growth and investment in transatlantic trade.
Tariffs could wipe out Italian pasta exports
The 92% tariff rate announced in September adds to an existing 15% blanket tariff on European Union imports imposed under the Trump administration, bringing the total possible rate to 107%. Coldiretti, one of Italy’s largest agricultural associations, warned that such a measure would “virtually wipe out” Italian pasta exports to the U.S. market.
“We are being penalized because of two other pasta companies’ failure to supply timely and accurate information,” said Jim Donnelly, Chief Commercial Officer of Rummo USA, in an interview with NBC News. Donnelly denied allegations of price undercutting, calling the Commerce Department’s approach a “cookie-cutter judgment.”
As part of the review process, the department selected La Molisana and Garofalo for individual evaluation but said the two companies did not provide sufficient data. Officials then applied what they described as “facts available,” concluding that the 92% tariff would be “reasonably reflective” of the entire group.
Impact on prices and U.S. consumers
The financial consequences are already being felt. Donnelly said Rummo would keep its Italian-made products on U.S. shelves but warned that retail prices — currently around $3.99 — could rise to between $6.49 and $7.99 under the higher tariff. “We will absorb this until this bad judgment is fixed,” he said, expressing confidence that the U.S. government will reverse the decision before it becomes final next year.
For American consumers, the result could be fewer options and higher costs at grocery stores. Some brands, such as Barilla, are partially insulated thanks to U.S.-based production; the company operates a manufacturing plant in Avon, New York. In a statement, Barilla confirmed it is “affected” by the Commerce decision and is “evaluating possible initiatives ahead of the final determination.”
Other Italian pasta makers, however, may withdraw from the U.S. market entirely if tariffs remain in place, given that profit margins would vanish once duties are applied.
Restaurants and chefs brace for higher costs
The restaurant industry is also preparing for potential disruption. In New York City, chef Salvo Lo Castro of Casasalvo said he stopped importing pasta from Italy after learning about the tariff plan. His restaurant serves about 200 pounds of pasta weekly — all previously imported. “I don’t want to change the price for my guests,” Lo Castro said, explaining that he now makes all his pasta in-house to maintain menu stability despite the extra labor.
Industry analysts warn that if the tariffs become permanent, the effects will ripple through supply chains, from ingredient suppliers to restaurant distributors. For now, the decision remains preliminary, with a final ruling expected in 2025. Until then, Italian pasta producers and American consumers alike face an uncertain and potentially expensive year ahead.
