US Slashes Italian Pasta Tariffs in Trade Win for Rome

Washington Bows to Italian Pressure, Pasta Prices Set to Fall

Washington, D.C. — In a late-night announcement that caught even seasoned trade watchers off guard, the United States confirmed it will halve proposed tariffs on Italian pasta, ending a two-year standoff that began when Rome threatened to slap levies on American whiskey.

The Deal That Saved Sunday Dinner

Under the agreement, which takes effect July 1, the 30 % tariff first proposed in 2022 will drop to 15 %, translating to an estimated 40-cent reduction per pound of imported spaghetti, penne, and fusilli on American grocery shelves.

‘Tonight, the voices of 3,000 Italian pasta makers—and millions of American home cooks—were heard,’ Italy’s trade minister said after signing the accord.

Italian exporters, who ship roughly 450,000 tons of pasta to the U.S. each year, greeted the news with audible relief. Industry group Unione Pastai estimates the move will save producers €120 million annually and protect 12,000 jobs across Emilia-Romagna and Campania.

How the White House Changed Its Mind

Administration officials, speaking on background, admitted that domestic pressure played a pivotal role. U.S. importers warned that higher tariffs would have added, on average, 60 cents to every box of pasta—an unpalatable prospect ahead of an election year.

• Major retailers including Kroger and Whole Foods lobbied against the hike.
• Italian-American lawmakers formed a bipartisan caucus to oppose the tariffs.
• A social-media campaign under the hashtag #SaveOurSpaghetti generated 2.3 million impressions in 72 hours.

‘We listened to consumers and we listened to industry,’ U.S. Trade Representative Dana Whitaker said. ‘This agreement keeps pasta affordable while preserving fair competition.’

What Shoppers Will Notice First

Retail analysts expect shelf prices to fall within six weeks, just in time for peak summer grilling season. Discount chains could begin promotions as early as mid-July, with warehouse clubs like Costco forecasting a 10 % spike in pasta sales.

But not everyone is celebrating. American durum-wheat growers, concentrated in North Dakota, fear cheaper Italian imports will undercut their harvest. ‘We’re asking the USDA for emergency market support,’ said Jack Albright, head of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association.

What Comes Next

Both governments now turn to the thornier issue of Italian cheese tariffs, which Rome wants scrapped entirely. Negotiations resume in September, but for tonight, at least, the only thing on the table is a steaming plate of tagliatelle.