What's Cooking?
Italian pasta is under fire this month as US authorities mull tariffs up to 107% on imports, accusing Italy of “dumping” cheap pasta. If slapped on, prices could double for American consumers 🍝🇺🇸.
The Tariff Trouble
In 2024, US imports of Italian pasta hit around $780 million thanks to a 16 million-strong Italian-American community and countless pasta fans. "Eighty percent of our sales come from exports to 70 countries, and the US is number one," says Stefania Peduzzi, owner of Rustichella d'Abruzzo. Producers worry that a tariff shock could cool demand and force them to pivot fast.
Cultural Impact
For chef Emmanuel Di Liddo, pasta is more than food—it's identity. "Pasta for us is culture, pasta is family, pasta is sharing," he tells CGTN. Starting in kitchens at age 12, Di Liddo says cooking pasta “fills our heart with joy.” 😍
Asia on the Side
Here in South and Southeast Asia, we’ve made pasta our own—think masala pasta in India or spicy seafood pasta in Thailand. If US tariffs ripple out, global prices could climb, making our favorite fusion bowls pricier too.
What’s Ahead?
Will Italy push back with negotiations or ramp up exports to Asia? Producers are exploring new markets, while digital campaigns might rally fans online. One thing’s sure: pasta’s global journey is getting spicy 🌶️.
Reference(s):
Pasta panic as US trade tariff threats worry Italian producers
cgtn.com
