Surge in Prices Forces Policy Shift
President Donald Trump lifts tariffs on a wide range of imported foods. He signs an order removing duties on coffee, bananas and beef. The move comes as shoppers face rising grocery bills. Trump had previously dismissed affordability concerns despite Republican losses in recent elections. The exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US producers cannot supply these items in sufficient quantities.
Trump Stands by Trade Approach
Trump insists his tariffs did not drive up consumer prices. He claims critics exaggerate affordability issues for political effect. He says the levies protect US interests and reduce the trade deficit. He argues foreign partners exploited the US for decades. But climbing beef prices now create political pressure. Trump orders a probe into major meatpackers, accusing them of manipulating prices. He promotes 2,000-dollar rebate checks funded by tariff revenue. The Supreme Court reviews whether he had the authority to issue them. The exemptions mark a clear shift as the White House tries to calm household costs.
Rapid Relief for Shoppers Announced
Trump says the exemptions cover only goods not produced in the US. He emphasizes the move does not shield any domestic industry. He predicts coffee prices will fall quickly. Economists warn companies often pass tariff costs on to consumers. Inflation stays milder than expected in September, yet most items still rise. Grocery prices are up 2.7 percent compared with last year. The White House says the exemptions apply retroactively from midnight on 13 November. It also reduces import taxes on coffee and bananas through deals with four Latin American nations. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledge a 20 percent drop in US coffee prices this year.
Over 100 Food Products Lose Tariffs
The administration releases a list of more than 100 newly exempt items. These include coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Multiple beef categories qualify, from premium cuts to frozen and cured products. Many fruits join the list, including acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Numerous spices become duty-free, including allspice, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, mace, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, saffron and turmeric. Nuts, grains, roots and seeds are also included, such as barley, Brazil nuts, capers, cashews, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, miso, palm hearts, pine nuts, poppy seeds, tapioca, taro and water chestnuts.
