Donald Trump decided to ease pressure on two key import sectors—furniture and pasta. The Italian side noted that after reviewing the situation in the U.S. market, tariffs for a number of pasta manufacturers were reduced from the initial 90%.
Previously, Washington had accused companies La Molisana and Garofalo of dumping, which could have led to tariffs being raised to 90%. Italy, exporting about 19% of all its pasta products to the U.S., actively engaged with the American administration to resolve the situation.
Additionally, the U.S. president postponed the introduction of new tariffs on imported furniture until the beginning of 2027. As a result, the existing 25% tariff on certain softwood products and kitchen cabinets remains in place, although an increase to 30-50% had previously been planned.
The White House press release emphasizes that the U.S. continues to engage in constructive negotiations with trade partners, focusing on issues of mutual trade and national security regarding the import of wooden products.
Furthermore, at the end of last year, 10% tariffs were imposed on the import of lumber and softwood timber. The planned increase in tariffs, which was set to take effect this week, could have affected supplies from Vietnam and China, raising concerns about rising consumer prices.
In the near future, the U.S. Supreme Court will consider the legality of certain tariffs. This case arose from a lawsuit by a group of businessmen who claim that the tariffs are illegal and harm their businesses. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously noted that this issue is under review in the context of national security.
Increased tariffs in the U.S. are largely related to trade disputes with China and the protectionist measures of the Trump administration, including the imposition of tariffs of up to 30% on Chinese goods, as well as on products from other countries, new fees on medicines, furniture, and trucks, and the elimination of the duty-free threshold for international packages.
