How could the new looming pasta tariffs impact Michiana?

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Prices aren't rising just yet, but by early next year pasta exports from Italy could rise by 107 percent.

This started in September when the commerce department called out 13 major Italian pasta makers for selling in the US at less than fair value, undercutting competitors.

AP News says that has triggered a review and potential 92 percent penalty. That penalty would be combined with an existing 15 percent tariff on most exports from the European Union, adding up to 107 percent.

Reports show that pasta exports to the US are worth roughly 700 million dollars annually, so this proposal may hit small and medium sized markets much harder than others.

Owner of Bambers Italian Superette Food Market in South Bend says shipping is one of the biggest costs as product travels from Italy in containers to the East Coast and then is shipped from the wholesaler to the store.

But he tells ABC57's Sidney Moore that the toll on this tariff may not be felt until after the first of the year because wholesalers have already had their shipments arrive.

Gene Bamber, Owner of Bambers says "Even after the first of the year, if it goes up in price, it may only go up per package, less than a nickel is what they are forecasting per my wholesalers and importers as of last week."