US Slams Massive Tariffs on Italian Pasta in Dumping Investigation
The United States government under President Donald Trump has initiated a review of antidumping regulations that could result in devastating 107% tariffs on Italian pasta imports. This dramatic move comes after allegations that Italian manufacturers are selling their products in American markets at artificially low prices to undermine local competitors.
According to an AP report dated Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Commerce Department has threatened to impose 92% import duties on top of existing 15% tariffs already applied to all European exports to the US. The combined effect would more than double the cost of Italian pasta for American consumers.
Investigation Triggered by American Producer Complaint
The Commerce Department launched its investigation in 2024 following a formal complaint from Missouri-based 8th Avenue Food & Provisions. The department focused its scrutiny on Italy's two largest pasta exporters, establishing that any sale price below production costs or below their domestic market prices would be considered dumping under US trade norms.
White House spokesperson Kush Desai explained the rationale behind the stringent measures. "After they screwed up their initial responses, the Commerce Department explained to them what the problems were and asked them to fix those problems; they didn't," Desai stated. "And then Commerce communicated the requirements again, and they didn't answer for a third time."
Italian Export Market Faces Severe Threat
The proposed tariffs have sent shockwaves through Italian markets, with approximately 13 producers expected to be affected by the decision. The United States represents Italy's second-largest export market after Germany, accounting for nearly 15% of exports worth $4.65 billion (4 million euros) according to data from Farmers' Association Coldiretti.
Popular pasta varieties including tortellini, spaghetti, and rigatoni manufactured in Italy for export now face an uncertain future in American markets. The tariff threat extends beyond future imports, applying retroactively to imports from the previous 12 months through June 2024.
American importers have expressed deep concern about the potential impact. Sal Auriemma, owner of Claudio Speciality Food at Philadelphia's Italian market, warned that the export market to the US would "shrivel" if pasta prices more than double for American customers.
"Pasta is a pretty small sector to pick on. I mean, there's a lot bigger things to pick on," Auriemma told AP, suggesting luxury items as alternative targets. "But pasta? It's basic food. Something's got to be sacred."
Italy Mounts Diplomatic and Legal Defense
Italy's government has launched a multi-pronged response to the tariff threat. Italy's Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida confirmed that the country is working closely with the European Commission while pursuing diplomatic channels. Simultaneously, the government is supporting companies seeking legal action to challenge the sanctions.
In October, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic criticized the lack of evidence supporting America's actions, describing the proposed 107% total tariffs as 'unacceptable'.
Italian industry representatives have strongly contested the dumping allegations. Margherita Mastromauro, president of the pasta makers sector of Unione Italiana Food, emphasized that Italian pasta sold in the United States actually commands higher prices than American-made alternatives, directly undermining the core premise of the dumping claim.
The escalating trade dispute highlights growing tensions in international food trade and raises questions about the future accessibility of authentic Italian pasta for American consumers, potentially transforming a kitchen staple into a luxury item.
