Rising Bills Spark a Quick Reversal
President Donald Trump removes tariffs from a wide range of food imports. He signs an order that lifts duties on products such as coffee, bananas and beef. The decision follows growing frustration over rising grocery prices. Trump dismissed affordability concerns before Republicans faced setbacks in recent elections. The revised exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US producers cannot supply these goods in sufficient volume.
Trump Repeats His Trade Rationale
Trump maintains his tariffs did not raise consumer prices. He argues Democrats amplify affordability worries for political gain. He says the levies help narrow the US trade deficit and protect national interests. He claims foreign partners weakened the US economy for years. Yet climbing food costs, especially beef, now create political tension. Trump orders a probe into meatpackers and accuses companies of manipulating prices. He offers 2,000-dollar rebate checks funded by tariff revenue to rally support. The Supreme Court reviews whether he had the authority to issue those payments. The new exemptions signal a shift as the White House works to ease pressure on families.
Government Targets Fast Relief for Shoppers
Trump tells reporters the exemptions apply only to goods the US cannot produce. He says the change does not shield any domestic industry. He adds he expects no further reversals. He predicts coffee prices will decline quickly under the new rules. Economists warn companies often pass tariff costs directly to consumers. Inflation remains milder than expected in September, yet most items still grow more expensive. Grocery prices rise 2.7 percent compared with last year. The White House says the exemptions apply retroactively from midnight on 13 November. It also cuts duties on coffee and bananas through deals with four Latin American nations. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promise a 20 percent drop in US coffee prices this year.
Over 100 Products Now Enter Duty-Free
The administration publishes a list of more than 100 newly exempt food imports. The list includes coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Many beef items also qualify, including premium cuts, bone-in and boneless pieces, corned beef and several frozen or cured meats. A wide variety of fruits joins the list, such as acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Numerous spices also lose their duties. They include 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.
