Pasta Panic: US Mulls 107% Tariff on Italian Imports, Sparking Fears of Shortage

As of November 13th, 2025, the US government is mulling a potential 107% tariff on Italian pasta imports, a move that could lead to Italian companies withdrawing from the US market as early as January 2026. This news has sent shockwaves through the American pasta-loving community, particularly among those with celiac disease who rely on specialty gluten-free brands.

One such consumer, a 42-year-old product manager named Kelly, recently rushed to her local grocery store to "panic buy" $100 worth of her preferred gluten-free spaghetti brand, Rummo, fearing it may soon disappear from shelves. The proposed tariff, which combines a new 92% levy from the US Department of Commerce and the existing 15% Trump-era tariff on European Union imports, has sparked widespread concern over a potential pasta shortage.

While experts predict that most consumers will still be able to find affordable domestic pasta options, such as the ubiquitous Barilla brand, the impact is likely to be felt most by specialty and premium pasta buyers. Celiacs and pasta connoisseurs may see the price of their favorite imported brands skyrocket, with a $5.99 box of gluten-free pasta potentially costing as much as $11 or $12.

Furthermore, US pasta producers may seize the opportunity to raise their own prices, even on non-imported varieties, capitalizing on the public's heightened awareness of the tariff news. As one industry expert noted, "the stores can raise their prices just a little bit, making this off-brand pasta box $1 more, even though there is no tariff on it."