Rising Costs Push White House to Shift Course
President Donald Trump removes tariffs from a wide range of imported foods. He signs an order that lifts duties on coffee, bananas and beef. The move follows deep frustration over rising supermarket prices. Trump had dismissed affordability concerns despite recent Republican setbacks. The exemption list features avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US growers cannot supply these foods in needed quantities.
Trump Defends His Broader Trade Strategy
Trump claims his tariffs never caused higher prices for consumers. He argues his critics exaggerate affordability issues. He says the levies protect US interests and reduce the trade deficit. He insists foreign partners exploited the US for decades. Yet soaring beef prices now create political trouble. He orders an investigation into major meatpackers and accuses them of manipulating prices. He promotes 2,000-dollar rebate checks funded by tariff revenue. The Supreme Court is reviewing whether he had the authority to issue those payments. The new exemptions show a clear pullback as the White House seeks to ease pressure on shoppers.
Officials Promise Quick Relief on Everyday Staples
Trump says the exemptions only cover goods not produced at home. He argues the move does not shield any domestic industry. He predicts coffee prices will fall swiftly under the revised rules. Economists warn companies often pass tariff costs to consumers. Inflation stays milder than expected in September, but many items still rise. Grocery prices increase 2.7 percent compared with last year. The White House says the new rules apply retroactively from midnight on 13 November. It also lowers import taxes on coffee and bananas under new deals with four Latin American nations. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledge to cut US coffee prices by 20 percent this year.
Over 100 Food Products Drop Their Tariffs
Officials publish a list of more than 100 newly exempt items. These include coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Many beef categories qualify, from premium cuts to frozen and cured products. A wide range of fruits also enter duty-free status. These include acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Numerous spices 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 also features nuts, grains and roots like barley, Brazil nuts, capers, cashews, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, miso, palm hearts, pine nuts, poppy seeds, tapioca, taro and water chestnuts.
