Rising Prices Trigger Policy Shift
President Donald Trump eases tariffs on a broad range of food imports. He signs an order that removes duties from products like coffee, bananas and beef. The move follows growing anger over higher grocery bills. Trump played down cost concerns before Republicans struggled in recent elections. The updated list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US producers cannot supply these items in adequate quantities.
Trump Defends His Trade Tactics
Trump insists his tariffs never pushed consumer prices higher. He argues Democrats inflate affordability fears for political gain. He claims the levies shrink the US trade deficit and protect national interests. He says foreign partners exploited the country for decades. Yet rising food prices, especially beef, now turn into a political threat. Trump orders a probe into major meatpackers and accuses them of manipulating prices. He aims to build support by offering 2,000-dollar rebate checks linked to tariff revenue. The Supreme Court reviews whether he had the authority to issue them. The new exemptions show a clear pivot as the White House tries to ease pressure on households.
Washington Seeks Fast Consumer Relief
Trump tells reporters the exemptions target goods the US cannot produce. He says the decision does not protect any domestic industry. He adds he does not expect further reversals. He predicts coffee prices will fall quickly after the change. Economists warn firms usually pass tariff expenses on to shoppers. Inflation stays milder than expected in September, yet most goods continue to rise. Grocery prices increase 2.7 percent compared with last year. The White House says the exemptions apply retroactively from midnight on 13 November. It also lowers duties on coffee and bananas through new deals with four Latin American partners. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promise a 20 percent US coffee price drop this year.
Which Foods Now Enter Duty-Free
The administration publishes a list of more than 100 newly exempt items. It includes coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Many beef products join the list, including premium cuts, bone-in and boneless pieces, corned beef and several frozen or cured meats. Numerous fruits also qualify, such as acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Spices including allspice, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, mace, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, saffron and turmeric also lose their duties. Nuts, grains, roots and seeds complete the list, covering barley, Brazil nuts, capers, cashews, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, miso, palm hearts, pine nuts, poppy seeds, tapioca, taro and water chestnuts.
