Italian noodles avoid Mr. Trump’s 90% tax

The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the US has decided to deeply lower the tax rate expected to be imposed on pasta manufacturers in this country, after a preliminary investigation into allegations of dumping.

Previously, in October 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration announced that 13 Italian pasta manufacturing companies would be subject to an additional 92% tax, in addition to the normal 15% tax imposed on most imports from the EU.

Initially, Washington accused two manufacturers, La Molisana and Garofalo, of selling pasta at unfairly low prices. But after the review, a Trade Ministry official said Italian exporters had resolved many of the concerns raised in the initial assessment.

Therefore, the US decided to reduce the expected anti-dumping tax on La Molisana to 2.26%, while the tax on Garofalo was set at 13.98%. In addition, the remaining 11 pasta manufacturers will be subject to a tax of 9.09%.

“The recalculation of tax rates is a sign that US authorities recognize the willingness of our businesses to cooperate constructively,” said the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The final conclusion on the Italian pasta tax is expected to be announced on March 12, which can be extended for up to 60 days. The US Department of Commerce affirmed that it will implement a “fair and transparent process”.

According to data from the Italian national statistics agency (ISTAT), the total value of pasta exports in 2024 exceeds 4 billion euros (4.7 billion USD). The US market alone brings in nearly 800 million USD. A total of 13 companies under review account for about 16% of Italian pasta exports to the US.

The risk of pasta being taxed at more than 90% once caused embarrassment for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who hoped that a close relationship with President Donald Trump would help this country’s businesses avoid additional taxes.

Ms. Margherita Mastromauro, President of the pasta sector of the Unione Italiana Food Association, welcomed the decision to sharply reduce the new proposed tax rate. “The decision of US authorities confirms that this country cares about Italy and our economic destiny,” she said in a statement.