Analysis-Worst to come: pasta makers fret over durum wheat supply crunch

FILE PHOTO: A customer eats pasta at a restaurant in Trastevere after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions were eased in Lazio region, Rome, Italy, February 1, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane/File Photo

PARIS/MILAN (Reuters) - Italian pasta makers are fearful of a substantial supply squeeze in the coming months after this summer's durum wheat price shock, as the market runs out of ways to offset a dire harvest in top exporter Canada.

Extreme heat and drought this year in the North American country, which usually accounts for about two-thirds of global durum trade, are expected to cut output there by about 3 million tonnes to nearly 50% below 2020 levels.