Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Trump Scales Back Tariffs on Food Staples, Exempting Coffee, Beef and Bananas

The targeted rollback seeks to ease grocery costs following voter frustration over price increases.

Overview

  • An executive order and a revised Annexure II remove reciprocal tariffs on roughly 200–254 agricultural and processed-food items effective November 13, including coffee, beef, bananas, tea, spices and certain nuts.
  • President Trump said the change reflects new recommendations and goods the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantities, and he acknowledged tariffs may "in some cases" raise consumer prices.
  • Indian exporters are set to benefit, with exemptions covering about $1 billion of current shipments and industry estimates suggesting $2.5–$3 billion in potential gains for tea, coffee, spices and cashews, though seafood and basmati rice remain outside the relief.
  • The White House cited framework understandings with Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador and Argentina, but officials noted that some punitive, country-specific duties remain and final implementation details are still being clarified.
  • Trade groups welcomed likely consumer relief after off-year election losses underscored affordability concerns, while a court challenge and ongoing negotiations continue to shape the longer-term tariff regime.