The United States threat of a 92 per cent on Italian pasta is sideswiping Canadian durum wheat.
Some of the highest-quality and most popular Italian pastas earn their quality status by using Canadian durum wheat.
That tariff would be in addition to the 15 per cent tariff U.S. president Donald Trump’s administration has imposed on European exports in general, bringing the total to 107 per cent.
The final decision is due Jan. 2, although it could be extended by 60 days.
About 12.5 per cent of Italy’s pasta exports are to the United States.
Italy is Canada’s largest customer for durum wheat. Italy purchased 807,500 tonnes during the first 11 months of 2024-25, up from 387,600 tonnes from the same time a year earlier.
It’s ironic that Italian pastas are strong competitors in Canada’s supermarkets and specialty shops.
