Pasta panic: Bronx shops brace for steep tariff hike
The U.S. Department of Commerce says some Italian pasta brands have been undercutting prices. A 92% duty is now under consideration, along with an existing 15% tariff — a change that could double pasta prices.
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Businesses in the Bronx’s Little Italy say a proposed tariff on imported Italian pasta could drive prices up and strain customer budgets.
The Teitel family has been selling Italian olive oil, cheeses and pasta on Arthur Avenue for more than a century.
“If somebody’s selling something up the street for $3, we’re selling it for $2.49,” said Mike Teitel, of Teitel Brothers.
The U.S. Department of Commerce says some Italian pasta brands have been undercutting prices. A 92% duty is now under consideration, along with an existing 15% tariff — a change that could double pasta prices.
“The numbers they were talking about are crazy,” Mike Teitel said.
Gil Teitel says the family is committed to keeping longtime shoppers.
“You have customers three generations and four generations and we’re not looking to lose them,” said Gil Teitel.
At Teitel Brothers, pasta is central to the business. They import it from Italy three times a year, hundreds of pounds at a time. Mike Teitel says they’re stocked for now, but a new tariff could force them to buy even more at once.
“I’m hoping it doesn’t happen. It’s almost inevitable that it will,” Mike Teitel said.
When asked whether they would switch to American-made pasta, Gil Teitel had a simple answer: “No.”
Down the street at Mike’s Deli, owner David Greco says the proposal is already creating concern.
“It’s out of control. The tariff has been affecting small business,” Greco said.
If the duty goes into effect in January, he says menu prices will rise.
“The prices would have to go up,” he said. “People are definitely feeling it. I have to tell you, our customers come to us on Arthur Avenue because it’s so much cheaper.”
The tariff remains a proposal, and businesses say they’re hoping it stays that way.
