Pressure Mounts as Grocery Bills Climb
President Donald Trump scales back tariffs on a long list of food imports. He signs an order that removes duties on items such as coffee, bananas and beef. The action comes as pressure rises over higher food costs. Trump dismissed cost-of-living concerns before Republicans performed poorly in recent elections. The White House list includes avocados, tomatoes, coconuts and mangoes. Officials say US farms cannot produce these goods in sufficient volume.
Trump Stands by His Trade Policy
Trump maintains his tariffs did not fuel consumer price increases. He calls affordability concerns a tactic pushed by Democrats. He argues the levies help shrink the US trade deficit. He claims foreign partners drained American wealth for years. But expensive groceries, especially beef, now create a serious political test. Trump orders a probe into meatpackers and accuses companies of manipulating prices. He seeks public backing by offering 2,000-dollar rebate checks to households. The Supreme Court examines whether he had the authority to issue these payments. The new exemptions mark a shift as the White House tries to ease pressure on shoppers.
Administration Looks for Swift Relief
Trump tells reporters the exemptions only apply to goods the US cannot produce. He says the decision does not shield any American industry. He adds he does not expect more policy reversals. He insists coffee prices will fall quickly following the rollback. Economists warn firms usually pass tariff costs directly to consumers. Inflation stays milder than expected in September, yet most goods 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 plans tariff cuts on coffee and bananas through new deals with four Latin American nations. Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledge a 20 percent drop in US coffee prices this year.
More Than 100 Items Lose Their Duties
The government releases a list of more than 100 newly duty-free products. It includes coffee, cocoa, black tea, green tea and vanilla beans. Many beef products join the list, including premium cuts, bone-in and boneless pieces, corned beef and diverse frozen or cured meats. The duty-free fruits include acai, avocados, bananas, coconuts, guavas, limes, oranges, mangoes, plantains, pineapples, peppers and tomatoes. Spices such as allspice, bay leaves, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, curry, dill, fennel, ginger, mace, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, saffron and turmeric also become tariff-free. Nuts, grains, roots and seeds complete the list, including barley, Brazil nuts, capers, cashews, chestnuts, macadamia nuts, miso, palm hearts, pine nuts, poppy seeds, tapioca, taro and water chestnuts.
