US scales back proposed high tariffs on Italian pasta producers

The US has sharply reduced proposed tariffs on pasta from 13 Italian producers after earlier threats that would have imposed very high duties on imports. The Trump administration had accused the firms of selling pasta in the US at "less than normal value" — a practice known as dumping — and planned a tariff rate of 91.74%.

With an underlying 15% EU import tariff, the move would have pushed the tax on some pasta above 100% of its value and risked major price rises for American consumers, though the 13 firms account for only a small share of Italian pasta imported into the US. The Italian foreign ministry said the US decision to wind back the plan was "an acknowledgement by the US authorities of the constructive co-operation shown by Italian companies." A US Commerce Department spokesperson told CBS News: "[Our] post-preliminary analysis indicates that Italian pasta makers have addressed many of Commerce's concerns raised in the preliminary determination.

Commerce will continue to engage with interested parties to take into account all information before issuing the final determination." The proposed duties were cut dramatically for the companies involved. La Molisana's rate was reduced to 2.26%, while others face rates up to 13.98%.

The case had presented a potential political problem for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has a relatively close relationship with President Trump.

Key Topics

Culture, World, Trade, Italy, Tariffs, Pasta, Us Politics