## Trump-Era Tariff Threatens to More Than Double Cost of Italian pasta in US
PHILADELPHIA (AP) – Steel: 50%. Copper: 50%.Cars: up to 25%. But an even bigger Trump-era levy looms: 107 % on Italian pasta.
Mamma mia.
It started with the U.S. Commerce Department launching what it says was a routine antidumping review, based on allegations Italian pasta makers sold product into the US at below-market prices and undercut local competitors. That has led to a threat of 92% duties, wich would come on top of the 15% tariff President Donald Trump’s administration imposed on European exports generally.The news sent shockwaves thru Italy, where 13 producers would be subject to the whopping one-two punch. They say sales in their second biggest export market would shrivel if prices to American consumers more than double. And while the measure would hardly prompt pasta shortages, it still has perplexed importers like Sal Auriemma, whose shop in Philadelphia’s Italian market, Claudio Specialty food, has been operating for over 60 years.
“Pasta is a pretty small sector to pick on. I mean, there’s a lot bigger things to pick on,” said Auriemma, pointing to luxury items as an option.
But pasta? “it’s basic food,” he said. “Something’s got to be sacred.”
Pasta adds heft to Italy’s economy
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Italy is a nation of avid pasta eaters. Less known is that most of the tortellini, spaghetti and rigatoni its factories churn out gets sent abroad. The U.S. accounts for about 15% of its €4 billion ($4.65 billion) in exports, making it Italy’s largest market after germany, data from farmers’ association Coldiretti show.
The punitive pasta premium has become a cause célèbre for Italy’s politicians, executives and economists. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida told lawmakers in mid-October that the government was working with the European Commission and engaging in diplomatic efforts, while supporting the companies’ legal actions to oppose U.S. sanctions.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic addressed reporters in Rome last month, stressing the lack of evidence backing the U.S.decision and calling the combined 107% levy “unacceptable.”
Pasta prices are expected to keep rising as durum wheat supply dwindles
DETROIT (AP) – get ready to pay more for your spaghetti and penne. Pasta prices are expected to keep rising as a global supply of durum wheat, the key ingredient in most dried pasta, dwindles due to climate change and geopolitical factors.
Durum wheat harvests have been considerably reduced in Canada, the United States and Italy in recent years, driving up costs for pasta makers. A severe drought in Canada, a major durum wheat producer, especially impacted yields. Simultaneously occurring, Russia’s war in Ukraine disrupted supply chains and increased energy costs, further contributing to the price hikes.
“We’re seeing a perfect storm of factors impacting durum wheat,” said Mary Jane Johnson, an agricultural economist at the University of Minnesota. “Climate change is making growing conditions more unpredictable, and geopolitical instability is adding another layer of uncertainty.”
The price of durum wheat has surged in the past year, and pasta manufacturers are passing those costs on to consumers. Retail prices for pasta have already increased,and experts predict further increases in the coming months.
Some pasta makers are exploring alternative wheat sources or experimenting with different pasta shapes to reduce their reliance on durum wheat. However, these solutions are unlikely to fully offset the rising costs.
For pasta lovers, the outlook is bleak.It appears that a bowl of pasta will continue to become more expensive as long as the durum wheat supply remains constrained.
Italian Pasta Faces Potential Tariffs in US Amid ‘Dumping’ Investigation
the US Commerce Department has proposed hefty tariffs on Italian pasta, potentially up to 107%, following an investigation into alleged “dumping” practices. This move has sparked concern among Italian pasta producers and export specialists, who fear it could severely damage trade between the two countries.
The investigation,initiated in 2024,stemmed from complaints filed by 8th Avenue Food & Provisions (owner of Ronzoni) and Winland Foods (owner of Prince,Mueller’s,and Wacky Mac). The focus centered on Italy’s two largest pasta exporters, La Molisana and Garofalo, with the Commerce Department alleging they sold pasta in the US below cost or at prices lower than those charged in Italy.
Margherita Mastromauro, president of the pasta makers sector of Unione Italiana Food, argues that Italian pasta prices in the US are already high compared to American-made alternatives, making a “dumping” claim questionable. Industry experts warn the proposed tariffs could be devastating for smaller and medium-sized Italian producers.
“A duty rate of 107% would definitely kill this flow of export,” stated Lucio Miranda,president of consultancy group Export USA. “It will definitely be a deal killer.”
The Commerce Department claims the Italian companies either presented inaccurate information or withheld data,hindering the investigation. The proposed tariffs are now subject to review by the US International Trade Commission, which will determine if the dumping practices are actually causing harm to American pasta producers.
Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano erupts again, prompting warnings
HONOLULU (AP) – Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupted Sunday on the Big Island of Hawaii, sending lava flowing and prompting warnings for residents to stay away from the area.
The eruption began within Halemaʻumaʻu crater at the summit of kilauea, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Lava has overflowed the crater and is flowing onto the crater floor.
“At this time,lava is contained within Halemaʻumaʻu crater and poses no immediate threat to communities,” the geological survey said in a statement. However, it warned of potential hazards from volcanic gas and particulate matter.
The agency noted that Kilauea’s summit eruption could be episodic, meaning it could stop and start.
hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which surrounds Kilauea, has been closed to visitors as a precaution.
kilauea erupted for nearly four years from 2018 to 2022, destroying hundreds of homes and reshaping the landscape. The 2018 eruption was particularly destructive,with lava flows covering vast areas of the Puna district.
The geological survey said it is closely monitoring Kilauea and will provide updates as the situation evolves. Residents are advised to monitor official sources for information and heed any warnings or instructions from authorities.
!Kilauea volcano erupts on Hawaii’s Big Island.