Some producers argue the issue is protectionism rather than dumping, whereas a U.S. official says tariffs follow a technical review; context includes the Trump-era administration’s ties with Meloni’s government.

The United States is preparing to impose punitive tariffs up to 107% on certain Italian pasta imports after a dumping investigation, potentially affecting 13 major Italian brands in U.S. grocery stores.

La Molisana and Pasta Garofalo were found by the US Department of Commerce to have sold pasta in the US below fair market value and to have failed to provide full documentation, triggering the preliminary 91.74% antidumping duty.

U.S. officials defend the duties as the result of a technical review, while highlighting continued positive relations with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The broader market backdrop includes Trump-era tariff rhetoric and rising domestic food prices as context for the current dispute.

Affected brands include La Molisana, Pasta Garofalo, Rummo, Agritalia, Aldino, Antiche Tradizioni Di Gragnano, Barilla (less exposed due to U.S. production), Gruppo Milo, and several smaller producers, with Barilla’s U.S.-made products potentially at lower risk.

Italian authorities and some officials view the tariffs as politically motivated, with ministers and media criticizing them as hyper-protectionist, though White House and Commerce Department officials say the process is non-political.

Italian officials and the European Commission warn of economic damage and threaten WTO escalation if flaws are found in the U.S. investigation, forming a diplomatic challenge.

The Commerce Department plans to finalize its review within about four months of the September finding, with a decision likely by late December 2025 or January 2026, and possible WTO challenges or formal trade complaints; retailers are preparing for supply disruptions and price changes.

La Molisana, led by Ferro, rebuilt from bankruptcy into a $400 million export-focused business reliant on the U.S. market, making potential access loss particularly damaging.

Industry observers warn the tariffs may be aimed more at blocking imports than addressing dumping, raising concerns about broader economic and diplomatic repercussions.

The 92% antidumping duty is preliminary and subject to formal review in early 2026; affected companies are seeking revisions to reduce or avoid the tariff.