The tariff saga that began under Trump continues into 2026. Launched in 2025 with a flurry of new tariffs, the policy had plunged the United States into trade tensions with almost every major economy. After a highly contested agreement with European nations imposed a 15% tariff on most imports, Washington announced in September plans to introduce additional duties of up to 91.74% on certain Italian products, over and above the existing 15%.
In a surprising move, however, the US Department of Commerce has now reduced the rates: 2.26% for La Molisana, 13.98% for Garofalo, and 9.09% for the remaining 11 non-sampled producers—well ahead of the anti-dumping investigation’s scheduled conclusion on 11 March.
A boost for Made in Italy?
The Italian foreign ministry hailed the revision as “recognition by US authorities of the constructive cooperation demonstrated by Italian companies.” The Department of Commerce confirmed that its post-preliminary analysis found that Italian producers had addressed many earlier concerns and said it would continue to evaluate all available evidence before issuing a final decision.
Though the reduction affects only a portion of Italian pasta exported to the United States, it spares American consumers significant price hikes and temporarily suspends a measure that could have exceeded 100% of the product’s value.
What’s next for the anti-dumping process?
The investigation remains formally ongoing. The US administration must complete its analysis and publish final conclusions by 11 March. Only then will the revised tariffs be officially confirmed—or possibly adjusted further. In the meantime, Italian exporters can operate without immediate price pressures while Washington continues to assess data from both businesses and European authorities.
A wider context of US trade policy
The pasta tariffs form part of a broader push by the United States to protect domestic industry and redress perceived trade imbalances. Beyond agri-food, Washington has recently postponed planned increases on sectors such as upholstered furniture and kitchen and bathroom furnishings, delaying new duties until 2027.
The EU agreement reached in August 2025 was widely criticised as asymmetrical and a setback for Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The imbalance reflected Trump’s efforts to correct what he saw as unequal economic relations between Europe and the United States. Europe was not alone: China, India and Mexico have all faced significant trade friction with Washington in recent years.
For now, however, the decision to lower pasta tariffs has spared Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a diplomatic headache, allowing her to maintain relatively stable relations with the US president.