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🍝 A Threat to Italy’s Culinary Crown
Italy’s pasta industry is facing a major threat from across the Atlantic. The United States is preparing to impose anti-dumping tariffs that could raise duties on Italian pasta imports to over 100%, sparking outrage among producers, trade unions, and government officials.
The proposed tariffs target alleged price manipulation by Italian exporters, but critics say the move is politically motivated and economically reckless. With pasta exports to the U.S. valued at €671 million, the stakes are high—and the backlash is boiling.
Coldiretti and Lollobrigida Push Back
Italy’s powerful agricultural union Coldiretti has called the tariffs “an attack on Italian identity,” warning they could devastate small producers and disrupt global supply chains. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida has vowed to fight the measure diplomatically, framing it as a violation of fair trade principles.
Key talking points from Italian officials:
“Pasta is not just food—it’s culture.”
“These tariffs punish quality and tradition.”
“We will not allow Made in Italy to be undermined.”
Economic Impact: From Fields to Forks
If enacted, the tariffs could trigger:
Price hikes on Italian pasta in U.S. supermarkets.
Reduced demand for Italian wheat and durum semolina.
Job losses across Italy’s agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Retaliatory measures from the EU, escalating trade tensions.
Italian brands like Barilla, De Cecco, and La Molisana may be forced to shift production or reconfigure export strategies, threatening the authenticity that defines their global appeal.
Global Trade, Local Consequences
This pasta dispute is part of a larger trend: rising protectionism in global trade. From wine to cheese, Italian exports are increasingly caught in the crossfire of geopolitical maneuvering.
Zemeghub will continue tracking this story, offering updates on negotiations, market reactions, and how Italy defends its culinary heritage in a changing world.