It started with the U.S. Commerce Department launching what it says was a routine antidumping review, based on allegations Italian pasta makers sold product into the US at below-market prices and undercut local competitors. That has led to a threat of 92% duties, which would come on top of the 15% tariff President Donald Trump’s administration imposed on European exports generally.
Let me try to understand this - someone please correct any poor assumptions on my part.
Imported pasta from Italy was cheaper for Americans, so Trump exacted duties to effectively double its cost, thereby making a western food staple significantly more expensive?
Correct. Heaven forbid the region known for pasta make a better quality pasta for cheaper. Also, pasta and ground beef is known as one of the most affordable and easy meals to make next to beans and rice. Those staples have been targeted for the highest increases in price.
Let me try to understand this - someone please correct any poor assumptions on my part.
Imported pasta from Italy was cheaper for Americans, so Trump exacted duties to effectively double its cost, thereby making a western food staple significantly more expensive?
Correct. Heaven forbid the region known for pasta make a better quality pasta for cheaper. Also, pasta and ground beef is known as one of the most affordable and easy meals to make next to beans and rice. Those staples have been targeted for the highest increases in price.