Soaring Grocery Costs Trigger 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 households face frustration over climbing grocery prices. Trump had previously dismissed affordability concerns despite Republican setbacks in recent elections. The new exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US producers cannot supply these goods in sufficient quantities.
Trump Defends Trade Policy
Trump insists his tariffs never drove up consumer prices. He claims critics exaggerate affordability issues for political effect. He says the levies protect US interests and help reduce the trade deficit. He argues foreign partners exploited the US for decades. Yet rising beef costs now create political pressure. Trump orders an investigation into major meatpackers, accusing them of manipulating prices. He promotes 2,000-dollar rebate checks funded by tariff revenue. The Supreme Court is reviewing whether he had authority to issue them. The new exemptions mark a shift as the White House seeks to ease household expenses.
White House Promises Quick Relief
Trump says the exemptions only apply to goods not produced domestically. He stresses the move does not shield any domestic industry. He predicts coffee prices will fall quickly under the revised rules. Economists warn companies often pass tariff costs directly to consumers. Inflation remains lower than expected in September, but most items still rise. Grocery prices climb 2.7 percent year over year. The White House says the exemptions apply retroactively from midnight on 13 November. It also cuts import taxes on coffee and bananas through deals with four Latin American nations. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promise a 20 percent reduction 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. Many beef products qualify, from premium cuts to frozen and cured varieties. A wide range of fruits joins the list, including acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Numerous spices also become duty-free, including allspice, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, mace, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, saffron and turmeric. The list also covers nuts, grains, roots and seeds, such as barley, Brazil nuts, capers, cashews, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, miso, palm hearts, pine nuts, poppy seeds, tapioca, taro and water chestnuts.
