The Made in Italy system has scored a point in its favour: the United States has significantly reduced its proposed anti-dumping tariffs on Italian pasta, ahead of the final conclusions of the investigation, formally expected on March 11.

The Foreign Ministry’s announcement comes at a time when Washington has also announced the postponement of new tariff increases on other manufacturing sectors, such as furniture.

The so-called post-preliminary analysis on Italian pasta significantly lowers the rates provisionally set on September 4, 2025: from 91.74 per cent, the duties are reduced to 2.26 per cent for La Molisana, 13.98 per cent for Garofalo and 9.09 per cent for the other eleven non-sampled producers, including Barilla.

“The redetermination of the duties is a sign of the US authorities’ recognition of our companies’ active willingness to cooperate,” said the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“[This breakthrough also demonstrates] the effectiveness of the support provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Government from the outset.”

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the revision also benefited from Italian diplomatic efforts and the support of the European Commission, which has filed defence briefs in support of the companies involved in the investigation.

The anti-dumping proceeding remains formally open, and the US administration must now publish its final conclusions.

Previously, Washington had announced its intention to apply additional tariffs of up to 91.74 per cent on certain Italian producers, starting in January 2026, on top of the standard 15 per cent rate applicable to most EU imports.

The effect of the new tariffs remains suspended until the formal conclusion of the investigation.

Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida expressed satisfaction: “The good news coming from the United States demonstrates how serious work, without unnecessary alarmism, bears fruit,” he stated.

“We have been following the situation from the very beginning; in October in Chicago, together with Ambassador Marco Peronaci, we sent an important signal: Italian institutions would not abandon Italian pasta producers.

“Today, we know we have chosen the right path, and the tariffs have been significantly reduced.

“Once again, we have demonstrated that teamwork pays off, and Italy is strong and respected around the world.”

Coldiretti and Filiera Italia expressed satisfaction “with the actions of the Italian government, particularly Ministers Tajani and Lollobrigida, and our diplomatic structure, which led to an initial temporary reduction in US tariffs on Italian pasta”.

According to the two associations, in 2024, Italian pasta exports to the US reached a value of approximately €671 million, confirming the American market as one of the most strategic for the sector.

On the broader front of American trade policy, the White House announced that President Donald Trump has signed a measure postponing the tariff increase on upholstered furniture, kitchen furniture and bathroom fixtures by one year, to 2027.

The increases, which were supposed to take effect today, included rates of up to 30 per cent on upholstered furniture and 50 per cent on kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

The tariffs were introduced in October, with an initial rate of 25 per cent, as part of a broader strategy to protect US industrial capacity in the wood and furniture sectors.

The postponement was motivated by the need to “leave room for ongoing production negotiations” with trading partners.

ANSA