Trump’s tariff twist: Italian food lovers face a price surge in 2026

For Americans who like their pantry stocked with penne and rigatoni, 2026 might bring a shock at the checkout. A new U.S. import duty – championed by Donald Trump’s incoming trade team – threatens to make Italian pasta nearly twice as expensive.

As reported by Reuters, Washington’s Department of Commerce accused two leading Italian manufacturers of selling below market value between mid-2023 and mid-2024, a practice known as “dumping.” The result of this is an extra tariff of 91.74%, to be added to the existing 15% EU import tax. The new measure would take effect in January 2026, unless Rome and Brussels can persuade Washington to roll it back.

Pasta politics simmer between Rome and Washington

Italy’s foreign ministry has called the ruling “unjustified” and says it’s working closely with the European Commission to challenge it through official and diplomatic channels. The Italian embassy in Washington is also assisting producers caught in the crossfire. With nearly $800 million in pasta exports heading to the U.S. each year, the stakes go far beyond the dinner table.

Who will taste Trump’s pasta tariff pain?

Trade groups warn the duty could hit not only exporters but also U.S. retailers and restaurants reliant on premium Italian brands. Italy’s main business lobby, Confindustria, has already trimmed its growth forecasts, citing American tariffs and broader geopolitical strains as key risks for 2025–26.

If the duties do indeed stand, a simple plate of spaghetti may soon become a small luxury for Americans. For now, the only thing cooking faster than a pot of boiling water is the diplomatic pressure from Rome.

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