Rising Prices Force White House Action
President Donald Trump removes tariffs on a wide range of imported foods. He signs an order lifting duties on coffee, bananas and beef. The move comes as households face growing frustration over climbing grocery bills. Trump had previously dismissed affordability concerns despite recent Republican losses. The updated exemption list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials note that US producers cannot supply these foods in sufficient quantities.
Trump Defends Trade Measures
Trump maintains his tariffs never increased consumer prices. He argues critics exaggerate affordability concerns for political effect. He says the levies protect US interests and reduce the trade deficit. He claims 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 offers 2,000-dollar rebate checks funded by tariff revenue. The Supreme Court is reviewing whether he had authority to issue them. The new exemptions signal a clear shift as the White House works to ease pressure on families.
Quick Relief for Consumers
Trump says the exemptions apply only to goods not produced domestically. He emphasizes the move does not shield any domestic industry. He predicts coffee prices will fall quickly under the new rules. Economists warn companies often pass tariff costs directly to shoppers. Inflation remains milder than expected in September, yet 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 lowers import taxes on coffee and bananas through agreements with four Latin American nations. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledge a 20 percent drop in US coffee prices this year.
Over 100 Foods Now Duty-Free
The administration publishes a list of more than 100 newly exempt products. These include coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Many beef items qualify, including premium cuts, frozen and cured products. A wide variety of fruits also enter duty-free status, including acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Numerous spices are exempt, including allspice, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, mace, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, saffron and turmeric. The list also includes 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.
