Italian pasta continues to be one of the strongest expressions of Made in Italy in the United States. New figures presented at the third World Durum and Pasta Forum in Rome show that leading Italian brands now account for approximately 42% of the U.S. dry pasta market – well above their roughly 25% share across international markets outside Italy.
The September 25 gathering at Palazzo Brancaccio brought together more than 350 international operators from North America, Europe, Turkey, North Africa, Kazakhstan and the Black Sea region. The United States was central to discussions because it represents both an important pasta market and a major part of the international durum wheat system.
Globally, the dry pasta market is worth €14.6 billion. Data covering 60 countries for the year ending June 28, 2026 show sales increasing 0.8%, while volumes reached 6.9 million metric tons, up 0.4%.
Italy’s position remains remarkable. In 2025, the country produced approximately 4.2 million metric tons of pasta, with around 60% destined for foreign markets. Italian pasta exports are worth approximately €4 billion, representing 48.3% of global pasta trade.
The Italy–U.S. connection also extends to the raw material. American durum wheat – particularly from North Dakota and Montana, as well as Arizona and California – is part of a global supply system closely watched by Italian millers and pasta producers.
Italy produced approximately 3.8 million metric tons of durum wheat in 2026, while its milling requirements average 6.5–6.8 million tons. International cooperation therefore remains essential.
From Italian factories to American supermarkets and dinner tables, pasta continues to connect the two countries through agriculture, trade and one of Italy’s most recognizable culinary traditions.
