U.S. Reduces Proposed Tariffs on Italian Pasta Imports

The United States has significantly reduced proposed tariffs on imports of Italian pasta from 13 major producers, averting a potential sharp increase in prices for American consumers just weeks before the levies were set to take effect. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced the preliminary revisions on Thursday, following a review that found the companies had addressed many concerns about unfair pricing practices.

Initially proposed in September 2024 at rates of up to 92 percent, the additional duties would have layered on top of the existing 15 percent tariff on most European Union goods, potentially raising total import costs to over 100 percent for some brands. The investigation stemmed from complaints by two U.S. pasta manufacturers in the Midwest, who alleged that Italian imports were sold at below-market prices, harming domestic producers. The 13 companies targeted, which account for about 16 percent of U.S. pasta imports from Italy, include prominent names such as Barilla, La Molisana, and Pastificio Lucio Garofalo.

After examining responses from the exporters, the Commerce Department lowered the proposed rates substantially. La Molisana now faces a duty of 2.26...