In 2002 Greg Bettinelli encountered Pasta Rummo, a brand that was, at that time, exceedingly difficult to locate in the United States. He and his wife filled their suitcases to capacity with as much of it as they could manage. Currently, the Italian pasta brand is available for purchase at prominent retailers such as Target and Whole Foods. Nonetheless, Bettinelli is accumulating supplies once more, apprehensive that his preferred pasta brand may vanish from American markets or experience a significant price surge when tariffs exceeding 100% are scheduled to be implemented on more than a dozen Italian pasta manufacturers next year. A multitude of grocery essentials has experienced price increases this year, attributed to inflationary pressures and the substantial tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. Despite President Donald Trump’s recent initiative to reduce tariffs on certain food items in an effort to alleviate expenses, these measures may still undermine an economical dining choice: a serving of pasta. Coldiretti, Italy’s largest farming association, cautioned that if the tariffs are implemented, pasta shipments from the affected Italian companies would be “virtually wiped out,” according to a statement. The 13 companies together account for 16% of Italian pasta exports to the United States, as reported by the US Commerce Department.
However, should Italian pasta face a 107% tariff, as proposed by the Trump administration, the limited alternatives available to Americans may become significantly more costly. “There is no way we can absorb (the tariffs) in our price structure,” stated Claudio Constantini. Constantini indicated that Sgambaro will endeavor to sustain exports to the US, at least for the time being. “However, if the situation remains static, it will not be sustainable for an extended period,” he stated. Sgambaro primarily distributes its products through smaller Italian grocery stores across the United States. However, it anticipated growth in 2026. Constantini indicated that those plans are currently in a state of uncertainty. “It felt like you were eating outside in Tuscany, but it’s just a $4 pasta,” Bettinelli remarked regarding the Italian-made pasta. “It represented a cost-effective indulgence.” Why is it that we are unable to enjoy the finer aspects of life? The prospective tariffs on pasta arise from an antidumping complaint lodged by two American firms with the US Commerce Department in July of the previous year. In the complaint, two Midwestern companies, 8th Avenue Food & Provisions and Winland Foods, alleged that several Italian companies engaged in the practice of underpricing pasta that was shipped to the United States.
The complaint initiated an inquiry spearheaded by the Commerce Department, which commenced by soliciting documentation from two of the 13 Italian firms under scrutiny: La Molisana and Pastificio Lucio Garofalo. The two represented the most significant share of pasta sales to the United States, as reported by the department. The initial inquiry released by the Commerce Department in September indicated that the two firms conducted sales to the United States “at less than normal value.” It also stated that both were “uncooperative” during the investigation and provided “incomplete and unreliable” data. The Commerce Department, therefore, implemented a “adverse facts available” antidumping tariff rate, which relies on assumptions regarding a business under investigation in the absence of adequate documentation. The department has opted for a 91% tariff, which will be added to the existing 15% tariff on goods imported from the European Union, resulting in a cumulative rate of 107%. The current tariff rate may fluctuate based on the final assessment by the Commerce Department, expected to conclude on February 18, with the potential for an extension of up to 60 days. According to Politico, members of the European Commission allegedly urged the Trump administration in recent meetings to reassess tariffs on pasta, as well as on other products imported from the European Union.
The impending steep tariffs on numerous Italian pasta brands arise as the Trump administration encounters increasing pressure from constituents to tackle issues of affordability. Grocery staples, such as beef and coffee, have experienced price increases following the implementation of blanket tariffs on imports from nearly all countries by Trump in April. This month, the administration has reversed numerous tariffs on food and agricultural imports, a move perceived as an initiative to enhance affordability. Nevertheless, the forthcoming pasta duties might not be directly associated with Trump, despite his contempt for numerous trade and business practices of the European Union. According to Thomas, Beline the president “generally does not get involved” in such matters. Moreover, investigations into antidumping measures concerning Italian pasta are not a recent phenomenon; the Commerce Department commenced these evaluations nearly three decades ago during the administration of President Bill Clinton. Setting aside blame, as numerous Italian pastas approach the possibility of increased prices, certain enthusiasts are already exploring alternatives. Earlier this month, Costanza Genoese Zerbi encouraged her followers to prepare their own pasta as a more economical approach. “The absence of diverse culinary offerings from various nations results in a rather unfortunate global landscape,” she said.