U.S. tariffs could trigger pasta price hikes in Italy
The possible arrival of tariffs on exports to the United States risks turning into price increases even in our country, because producers would try to recover part of their lost profits, CE Report quotes ANSA.
This was stated by Assoutenti, which — following the news of new 107% tariffs expected on Italian pasta — conducted a brief survey on prices within Italy.
On average, a kilo of pasta now costs €1.84, with an increase of 24.2% since 2021.
By examining Italy’s main cities — according to the analysis by Assoutenti based on data from the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy — a kilo of durum wheat semolina pasta today ranges from an average of €2.15 in Pescara to €1.33 in Palermo.
Price lists above €2 per kilo are also found in Ancona (€2.08), Cagliari (€2.05) and Florence (€2.03).
Rome is more expensive than Milan: a kilo of pasta costs on average €1.97 per kilo in Rome, compared with €1.79 per kilo in Milan.
According to Istat data, Assoutenti notes that:
“Compared to September 2021, today a kilogram of pasta costs on average 24.2% more in Italy. The war in Ukraine, the raw materials crisis, and the energy price surge have all pushed up the cost of this symbolic product of our country. And the dangers for consumers are not over.”
“A possible imposition of 107% tariffs on Italian pasta risks causing new price increases in our own market,” warns Assoutenti president Gabriele Melluso.
“Exports to the U.S. would collapse, leading to losses for producers who, in order to recover reduced profits from the U.S. market, might raise retail prices domestically — with obvious economic damage for Italian families.”
