In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a revised assessment of duties on Italian pasta makers after a government-led review. The move sharply reduces the punitive tariffs that were set to hit Italy’s pasta industry, and it comes as officials from both Rome and Washington hailed it as a breakthrough in ongoing trade talks.
The decision affects 13 Italian pasta producers, led by La Molisana and Garofalo. Under the new regime, the previously announced 92% duty (in addition to the existing 15% tariff) is replaced with differentiated rates: La Molisana at 2.26%, Garofalo at 13.98%, and the remaining producers at 9.09%. The revised duties are presented as proportionate responses grounded in the companies’ constructive willingness to cooperate with the U.S. investigation and reviews.
The policy move, announced on January 1, 2026, originates in Washington, D.C., with Italy reacting to the updated tariffs as a potential thaw in long-running trade negotiations overseen by U.S. officials and Italy’s government. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed the change, framing it as a victory in discussions with U.S. leaders, including President Donald Trump.
Analysts say the tariff revision could ease the pressure on Italian exporters seeking access to the crucial U.S. market and may open channels for broader dialogue on trade policy. While some risk remains that future reviews could re-adjust the tariffs, today’s decision is being cast by Rome as a sign of strengthening transatlantic ties.