'We Can't Stop Serving Baked Ziti'

"Last week, The Wall Street Journal sent fusilli freaks scrambling with its claim that "Italian pasta is poised to disappear" due to some complicated and punitive potential tariffs. The Department of Commerce has reportedly proposed the 92 percent tariff against 13 major brands accused of selling products in the United States below market value. (If you've ever wondered how Rummo spaghetti can be so cheap, you're not alone.)"

"The brands include the big blue giant Barilla and Rummo, as well as Pasta Garofalo, Giuseppe Cocco, and others. In response, the producers are reportedly threatening to simply pull their products, The Atlantic notes, and the whole situation could be generally dire news for New York's Italian grocers. A White House spokesperson told CBS News that the companies in question still have "several months to continue participating in this review," but that hasn't stopped New York operators from worrying and brainstorming solutions now."

The Department of Commerce proposed a 92 percent tariff on 13 major Italian pasta brands accused of selling below market value in the United States. Named producers include Barilla, Rummo, Pasta Garofalo, and Giuseppe Cocco. Producers are threatening to withdraw products from U.S. shelves, risking reduced availability and higher retail prices. Small grocers and delis fear amplified cost impacts on prepared foods, with one deli owner noting baked ziti prices could rise sharply. Some shops already face a 15 percent EU-import tariff, a weaker dollar, rising electricity costs, and other pressures that strain margins.

Read at Grub Street