Hailey
If you love buying authentic Italian pasta, get ready for some big changes. The U.S. government is looking at slapping massive tariffs on pasta imports from Italy.
These tariffs could go as high as 107%, which means your favourite Italian pasta might become much pricier, or even hard to find. In this article we’ll break down exactly what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for shoppers in the U.S.
Why are the tariffs being proposed?
The heart of the issue is the accusation that some Italian pasta makers are “dumping” their products into the U.S. at lower prices than normal. According to the United States Department of Commerce (Commerce Dept), this undercuts U.S. producers and is unfair competition.
- The investigation began in August 2024.
- Some Italian firms allegedly did not provide full information when asked.
- As a result, the Commerce Dept used “facts available” to set a high tariff rate.
Because dumping lowers prices unfairly, the U.S. believes it must step in and put extra duties on the imports from Italy.
Who is affected?
A group of 13 major Italian pasta companies are in the spotlight. These include well-known names like Barilla, La Molisana, Garofalo and Rummo.
The proposed tariffs are in addition to the existing 15% general tariff on EU exports set by the prior U.S. administration.
What could happen to pasta prices?
Here’s a simple table showing the potential price changes:
| Current average price | Estimated new price under high tariff | What it means for shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| US $3.99 (for one brand) | US $6.49 to US $7.99 or more | Pasta becomes 60-100% more expensive |
| Many Italian imports may be pulled entirely | Wider choice of imports shrinks | You might see fewer Italian brands on shelves |
For example, Rummo’s U.S. Chief Commercial Officer said their pasta, now about $3.99, could rise to $6.49-$7.99 or even more under the increased tariffs.
What might happen to export volumes?
The Italian agricultural organisation Coldiretti says that if these tariffs kick in, exports from Italy to the U.S. could be “virtually wiped out”. That means years of growth and supply-chain investments could be lost. For U.S. buyers, that could mean fewer Italian pasta options.
What are companies doing?
Some companies are already preparing for the change:
- Rummo expects to absorb the cost temporarily but says the judgement is unfair.
- Barilla, operating in the U.S., said it is affected by the decision and will evaluate its next steps ahead of the final ruling.
- A restaurant owner in New York that uses Italian pasta said he’s stopped importing Italian pasta and is making pasta in-house instead to avoid price hikes.
What it means for you as a shopper
- You may see fewer Italian pasta brands in stores or higher prices.
- Some brands made outside Italy might still be available (for example, Barilla produces some pasta in Avon, New York).
- If your favourite Italian pasta disappears from shelves, you could switch to domestic brands or non-Italian imports.
- The quality and origin might vary, so check the label to see if it’s made in Italy or elsewhere.
Good to know
- The tariffs are preliminary, which means they are proposed and may change when the final decision comes.
- If Italian companies cooperate with the investigation, the tariffs might be reduced.
- Even with higher tariffs, some imports might remain if companies decide to absorb part of the cost or switch to other production locations.
The possible imposition of up to 107% tariffs on Italian pasta imports into the U.S. could cause major changes in what you find on supermarket shelves—and how much you pay.
From familiar brands facing steep duties to potential withdrawals from the U.S. market, the ripple effects are real for consumers.
As a shopper, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your favourite pasta brands, check origin labels, and expect that the cost or choice might shift soon. The final decision will matter a lot for both pasta lovers and the Italian exporters behind those well-known brands.