Overview
- A presidential decree removes earlier duties on specific food imports, including beef, tomatoes, coffee and bananas.
- The exemptions took effect retroactively and target goods the United States cannot produce or cannot supply in sufficient quantity.
- The White House presents the change as part of an effort to ease grocery prices for consumers.
- In April, the administration levied reciprocal base tariffs of at least 10% on most imports to reduce the trade deficit and bolster domestic production.
- Opponents link the move to recent Democratic gains in state and local elections focused on living costs, with Rep. Richard Neal saying the administration is trying to put out a fire it started.