Shoppers’ Complaints Trigger Sudden Policy Shift
President Donald Trump cancels tariffs on a broad set of food imports. He signs an order removing duties on items such as coffee, bananas and beef. The move follows weeks of voter frustration about rising grocery bills. Trump had previously dismissed affordability concerns, even after Republican losses in recent elections. The new exemption list features avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials admit US producers cannot supply these goods at needed levels.
President Defends His Trade Strategy
Trump insists his tariffs never caused higher prices. He claims critics inflate affordability worries for political gain. He says the levies curb the trade deficit and strengthen national security. He argues foreign partners weakened the US economy for decades. Yet climbing food costs now pose political risks. Beef prices rise sharply, prompting Trump to order an investigation into major meatpackers. He accuses companies of driving up costs. He promotes 2,000-dollar rebate checks funded by tariff revenue to build support. The Supreme Court is weighing whether he had the legal authority to authorize those payments. The new tariff carve-outs mark a notable shift as the White House seeks to ease household pressures.
White House Vows Quick Relief on Staples
Trump says the exemptions cover only goods the US cannot produce domestically. He argues the move does not protect any specific industry. He predicts coffee prices will fall rapidly under the updated rules. Economists warn businesses often pass tariff costs straight to consumers. Inflation remains lower than expected in September, but many items still become more expensive. 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 duties on coffee and bananas through new deals with four Latin American countries. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claim US coffee prices will drop 20 percent this year.
More Than 100 Foods Now Enter Duty-Free
The administration releases a list of over 100 newly exempt imports. These include coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Multiple beef categories qualify, from premium cuts to cured and frozen varieties. An extensive range of fruits joins the list, including acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Many spices also lose their duties, such as allspice, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, mace, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, saffron and turmeric. The list includes nuts, grains and roots such as barley, Brazil nuts, capers, cashews, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, miso, palm hearts, pine nuts, poppy seeds, tapioca, taro and water chestnuts.
