Rising Bills Push Washington to Act
President Donald Trump rolls back tariffs on a broad range of food imports. He signs an order that removes duties from items such as coffee, bananas and beef. The move follows public anger over rising grocery costs. Trump previously dismissed affordability concerns before Republicans faltered in recent elections. The updated list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US farms cannot supply these goods in sufficient quantity.
Trump Sticks to His Tariff Narrative
Trump insists his tariffs never drove up consumer prices. He argues Democrats amplify affordability fears for political effect. He says the levies help narrow the US trade deficit and defend national interests. He claims foreign partners weakened the US economy for years. Yet climbing food prices, especially beef, now create political pressure. Trump orders an inquiry into meatpackers and accuses companies of market manipulation. He seeks voter support by offering 2,000-dollar rebate checks tied to tariff revenue. The Supreme Court reviews whether he had the authority to issue those payments. The new exemptions show a clear shift as the White House moves to calm household budgets.
Washington Pursues Rapid Relief
Trump tells reporters the exemptions only affect goods the US cannot produce. He says the decision does not shield any domestic industry. He adds he expects no further reversals. He predicts coffee prices will fall quickly under the new rules. Economists warn firms often pass tariff costs on to consumers. Inflation remains milder than expected in September, yet most items keep rising. Groceries cost 2.7 percent more than last year. The White House says the exemptions apply retroactively from midnight on 13 November. It also cuts duties on coffee and bananas through agreements with four Latin American partners. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promise a 20 percent drop in US coffee prices this year.
More Than 100 Items Lose Their Tariffs
The administration publishes a list of more than 100 newly duty-free imports. These include coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Many beef products also qualify, such as premium cuts, bone-in and boneless pieces, corned beef and various frozen or cured meats. A wide selection 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. 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.
