Story perspectives

U.S. Cuts Italian Pasta Tariffs from 92% to 2%-14%

1/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. government reduced proposed tariffs on Italian pasta from 92% to 2%–14% after an investigation into unfair pricing by 13 Italian producers, including La Molisana and Garofalo.
The U.S. Department of Commerce will announce the final tariff rates on March 12.
Italy's foreign ministry said the reduced tariffs reflect the companies' cooperation during the investigation.
The U.S. market accounts for about $770 million in annual Italian pasta sales.

History

Historical Context

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, signed by President Hoover, raised tariffs on over 20,000 imports, worsening the Great Depression by provoking retaliatory tariffs and reducing international trade by 67%. In contrast, the recent reduction of tariffs on Italian pasta, involving companies like La Molisana and Garofalo, signifies a shift towards cooperative trade relations, highlighting the importance of the $770 million annual sales of Italian pasta in the U.S. market.

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Story summary

The U.S. government reduced proposed tariffs on Italian pasta from 92% to 2%–14% after an investigation into unfair pricing by 13 Italian producers, including La Molisana and Garofalo.
The U.S. Department of Commerce will announce the final tariff rates on March 12.
Italy's foreign ministry said the reduced tariffs reflect the companies' cooperation during the investigation.
The U.S. market accounts for about $770 million in annual Italian pasta sales.

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