Italy’s leading agriculture organization has indicated that additional tariffs on pasta exports to the U.S. would deliver a “mortal blow” if an anti-dumping penalty is enacted.
Coldiretti reported that Italian pasta exports to the U.S. last year reached €671 million ($782.3 million). However, these shipments face a looming threat from a proposed 91.7% duty, which would be added to the existing 15% tax on EU goods, scheduled to take effect in January.
The U.S. Department of Commerce, through its International Trade Commission, highlighted Italian manufacturers Molisana and Pastificio Lucio Garofalo for selling pasta below normal market value, specifically from July 2023 to June 2024.
Following several delays, the Department of Commerce revealed its preliminary findings in September, paving the way for the additional tariffs while inviting comments from interested parties.
On October 4, Coldiretti emphasized that duties of up to 107% would severely impact the “Made in Italy” brand. In response, the Italian government has positioned itself as an interested party.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed its close collaboration with affected companies, noting consultations with the European Commission to advocate for a review of the provisional duties imposed on Italian firms.
Furthermore, it stated: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally engaged in the proceedings as an ‘interested party’ through its embassy in Washington to support companies in asserting their rights.”
Just Food has reached out to both Molisana and Pastificio Lucio Garofalo for comments as of October 6.
Coldiretti cautioned that elevated tariffs would not only increase prices for U.S. consumers of imported Italian pasta but will also promote imitation products. This situation would jeopardize local companies significantly, according to the trade body.
Coldiretti’s president, Ettore Prandini, asserted, “We must defend and promote the pasta supply chain, both in the U.S. and in Italy, to avoid selling off one of our flagship products of excellence.
“Just as we demand a fair price for Italian wheat, we believe it is essential to guarantee a fair value for pasta. The American accusations of dumping are unacceptable and serve to advance Trump’s agenda of shifting production to the U.S.”
Coldiretti warned that tariffs of this magnitude would virtually eradicate export revenues, undoing years of growth and investment throughout the supply chain.
It urged both the Italian government and the EU to “act decisively to protect a product that is not merely food but a true emblem of the Mediterranean diet and Italy’s agricultural identity.”
Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope that U.S. authorities will recognize the integrity and full willingness of Italian producers to cooperate throughout the ongoing investigation.
