The Molisana, a historic Pastificio di Campobasso and one of the symbols of Made in Italy in the world, is ready to land in the United States.
Not with the usual distribution network, but with a real overseas production plant. The aim is to circumvent the 107% maxi-Dazio imposed by Donald Trump. Under these conditions, explained the Ad Giuseppe Ferro, “for us it is not possible to work”. Iron intervened during a meeting with the press dedicated to the impact of the new duties imposed by Washington on Italian pasta. “We will try to discuss the American administration,” specified the CEO.
Record duties and accusations of dumping
On the impulse of Donald Trump, the American trade department has in fact introduced, starting from 1 January 2026, a super-Dazio of 107% on imports of Italian pasta. At the basis of the provision, the accusation of dumping against various Italian producers, including the Molisana and Garofalo.
According to Washington, companies would have sold their products at lower prices compared to those practiced on the internal market, creating unfair competition for US producers.
The American investigation affects a sector already alarm. Three investigations have already been conducted. And a fourth procedure, according to rumors, would be coming. Confagricoltura also intervened on the subject. So said President Massimiliano Giansanti:
We immediately asked our government for a strong position towards the American administration. It would be an unjust frozen shower. The US market is fundamental for our productions, and even more for pasta, appreciated by American citizens precisely for the quality and goodness recognized all over the world.
Domino effect on Made in Italy
The maxi-Dazio does not only concern the Molisana. In the sights of the United States there are thirteen Italian companies, including Rummo, Barilla, Garofalo and Sfambaro. The president of Rummo, Cosimo Rummo, underlined the gravity of the measure, since Trump’s duties
They will start from 1 January 2026, but since dumping is retroactive, it will also be necessary to pay for the previous 12 months.
According to trade associations, the impact would be devastating: the export of Italian pasta towards the United States, which in 2024 exceeded 671 million euros, would risk collapse.
To feed the controversy is also the origin of the complaint that led to the investigation: among the promoters there would be Winland Foods, an American giant controlled by the European Fund Investindustrial. An intertwining that makes “friendly fire” speak, since a group linked to European capitals would have contributed to the start of the investigation against Italian companies.
If other producers, in addition to La Molisana, should decide to move production to the United States, the effects on the labor market in Italy would not be painless. In the absence of opening to new markets, everything could translate into the risk of closing systems and layoffs. Unions and workers follow developments apprehensive.
Italy moves against the US duties
The Italian government has already asked for official clarifications. The Farnesina and the Ministry of Agriculture have launched interlocutions with Washington, while the Embassy in Washington works to avoid the entry into force of the super-Dazio. Italian supply chain, Coldiretti and Italian Union Food have defined the “unacceptable”, “unjustified” and “punitive” measure.
