The United States has sharply reduced proposed anti-dumping tariffs on Italian pasta, marking a significant win for Italy’s trade diplomacy and exporters.
Washington revised the duties ahead of the final conclusions of its investigation, due on 11 March. The move cuts the originally proposed tariffs of up to 91.74% to much lower levels for key Italian producers.
Under the post-preliminary analysis, duties on La Molisana fall to 2.26%. Garofalo faces a rate of 13.98%. The remaining eleven non-sampled producers, including Barilla, will be subject to a 9.09% tariff. The revised rates were communicated before the formal closure of the investigation. Until the final decision is published, the application of the new duties remains suspended.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the revision as a sign that US authorities recognise the cooperation shown by Italian companies during the investigation. It said the outcome also reflects the effectiveness of early support from the Italian government.
The ministry added that Italian diplomatic efforts, alongside backing from the European Commission, played a key role. The Commission submitted defence briefs in support of the companies involved.
Anti-dumping procedure still open
The anti-dumping proceeding remains formally open. The US administration is still required to publish its final conclusions.
Earlier, Washington had announced plans to impose additional tariffs of up to 91.74% on certain Italian pasta producers from January 2026. These would have been applied on top of the standard 15% duty on most EU imports.
Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida welcomed the development. He said the result showed that “serious work, without unnecessary alarmism, produces results”.
Lollobrigida said the government had followed the issue from the start. He recalled an October meeting in Chicago with Italy’s ambassador to the US, Marco Peronaci, which sent a clear message that Italian institutions would stand behind pasta producers.
“Today we know we chose the right path, and the tariffs have been significantly reduced,” he said.
Coldiretti and Filiera Italia satisfied with result
Farmers’ group Coldiretti and Filiera Italia also expressed satisfaction. They praised the actions of the government, particularly Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Minister Lollobrigida, as well as Italy’s diplomatic network.
According to the two associations, Italian pasta exports to the US reached around €671 million in 2024. They described the American market as one of the most strategic for the sector.
The tariff revision comes as Washington eases pressure in other manufacturing areas. The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump has signed a measure postponing tariff increases on upholstered furniture, kitchen furniture and bathroom fixtures by one year, to 2027.
The planned increases, which were due to take effect this week, included rates of up to 30% on upholstered furniture and 50% on kitchen and bathroom fixtures.
US officials said the delay is intended to allow space for ongoing production negotiations with trading partners.
