How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S.

Summary of How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S.

by The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios

19m•November 13, 2025
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Overview of How Tariffs Could End Italian Pasta in the U.S.

This episode of The Journal (The Wall Street Journal & Spotify Studios), hosted by Jessica Mendoza, examines a brewing trade dispute that could sharply limit or eliminate imports of premium Italian pasta into the U.S. after the Commerce Department issued preliminary anti‑dumping findings that could bring combined tariffs on many Italian pasta brands to about 107%. The story follows Italian producers (notably La Molisana and Garofalo), U.S. petitioners, and the broader political and consumer fallout.

Key takeaways

  • The U.S. Commerce Department’s preliminary review could impose a 92% anti‑dumping duty on 13 Italian pasta makers; combined with an existing 15% EU tariff this would equal roughly 107% total.
  • The investigation started from a July 31, 2024, complaint and focused paperwork reviews on two major exporters: La Molisana and Garofalo.
  • Commerce cited “uncooperative” behavior by those two companies (issues like untranslated words, acronyms, and incomplete data) and applied the high rate to all 13 firms by group‑wide rule.
  • If finalized (as soon as January), the tariffs would likely force many affected producers either to dramatically raise U.S. prices or pull out of the market — shrinking variety and raising costs for U.S. consumers.
  • The dispute has become a diplomatic issue between Italy/EU and the U.S.; Italy created a task force and top officials are involved.
  • There are conflict‑of‑interest questions: one U.S. petitioner (Winland Foods) is owned by a private‑equity group with an Italian owner that also controls Italy‑based pasta producers who would not be hit — and could gain market share.

Background and timeline

  • 1990s: U.S. pasta makers first accused Italian exporters of “dumping” (selling below cost/home price). Anti‑dumping duties (often modest) became routine.
  • July 31, 2024: A six‑page complaint by U.S. pasta makers triggered a Commerce Department review of 13 Italian companies.
  • September 2024: Commerce issued preliminary results blaming two cooperating firms for insufficient data/cooperation and proposed a 92% duty applied across the group.
  • Present: Preliminary rate + existing 15% tariff on EU goods would total ~107%. Final Commerce decision could come as early as January (year following the review).

Who’s involved

  • Italian exporters under review: 13 firms including La Molisana and Garofalo (major U.S. importers).
  • U.S. petitioners: two companies — one owner of the Ronzoni brand and Winland Foods (owned by a private‑equity firm with an Italian businessman and stakes in Italian pasta producers).
  • U.S. agencies: Department of Commerce (investigator/decider on dumping duties).
  • Italian/EU response: Italy’s foreign ministry, the government of Giorgia Meloni, and EU officials actively intervening; Italy set up a special task force.

Impacts and stakes

  • For Italian producers: U.S. can represent a significant portion of sales (La Molisana ~10% of sales); 107% duties would likely price many imports out of the market.
  • For U.S. consumers: Fewer imported premium Italian pasta options and higher prices for affected shapes/brands; emotional/culinary impact because pasta is a staple.
  • For U.S. producers: Potential market gains, but concerns about whether the process delivers fair competition or creates winners due to ownership links.
  • Diplomatic/political: Strains allied relations and raises questions about trade enforcement processes and technical familiarity with foreign accounting/documentation.

Notable quotes and phrasing

  • Giuseppe Ferro (La Molisana CEO): The tariffs are an “export killer” and “ultimately hits people…their favorite fusilli or penne may no longer be available.”
  • The podcast frames the situation as “pasta wars” and “pasta diplomacy,” underlining national‑pride aspects of the dispute.

What to watch next

  • Final Commerce Department decision (expected as soon as January).
  • Legal/administrative appeals by affected Italian companies.
  • Diplomatic measures from Italy and the EU (possible negotiations or escalation).
  • Market responses: whether companies withdraw U.S. shipments, raise prices, or restructure supply chains (e.g., move production to non‑tariffed countries).
  • Any investigation into the role and potential conflict of interest involving the petitioners (Winland/private equity links).

Bottom line

A run‑of‑the‑mill anti‑dumping complaint has escalated into a potentially market‑ending set of tariffs for many Italian pasta exporters to the U.S. The outcome will hinge on the Commerce Department’s final ruling and any legal or diplomatic pushback. If the proposed duties stand, U.S. grocery shelves could lose many authentic Italian pasta options and consumers may pay substantially more.