US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order rolling back tariffs on dozens of food products, including staples like coffee and bananas, in response to mounting pressure over rising consumer prices. This move signals a shift in his administration’s approach to trade policy amid concerns about affordability.
The executive order, signed on Friday, removes import taxes on more than 100 food items that the White House says cannot be produced in sufficient quantities domestically. Among the products exempted are coffee, cocoa, black and green tea, vanilla beans, various beef cuts, and a range of fruits such as avocados, bananas, coconuts, and mangoes. Spices like cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric, as well as nuts and grains including cashews and barley, are also on the list, providing relief for imports that have faced levies under Trump’s broader tariff regime.
The decision comes as the Trump administration faces increasing political pressure over the cost of living, particularly following the Republican Party’s poor performance in recent elections. While Trump had previously dismissed concerns about price increases, calling affordability a “con job” by Democrats, he has recently focused more on the issue, even calling for an investigation into the meat-packing industry for alleged price fixing. This pivot reflects growing awareness that soaring grocery costs, especially for beef, have become a significant voter concern.
Trump’s tariffs, which include a baseline 10% levy on imports from all countries with additional duties on many trading partners, were implemented to reduce the US trade deficit and encourage buying American goods. However, economists warned that companies would pass these costs onto consumers, leading to higher prices. Inflation data showed groceries up 2.7% from last year, exacerbating public worry and prompting the administration to reassess its stance on certain essential items.
In a reversal of his earlier hardline position, Trump announced the rollback during a press briefing on Friday, stating that the affected products are not produced in the US, so there is no protection of domestic industries. He expressed confidence that prices for items like coffee would decrease shortly and indicated that no further policy changes are anticipated, saying, “I don’t think it’ll be necessary.” This comments underscore a tactical adjustment rather than a wholesale abandonment of his tariff strategy.
The new exemptions take effect retroactively from midnight on Thursday, November 13, providing immediate relief for imports and potentially lowering costs for consumers in the coming weeks. Additionally, the administration is lowering tariffs on coffee and bananas as part of trade deals with four Latin American countries, aligning with Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s vow to reduce coffee prices by 20% this year. These measures are designed to address affordability without completely dismantling the tariff framework.
This tariff rollback is part of a broader effort to balance trade objectives with economic realities, highlighting the challenges of managing inflation while pursuing protectionist policies. It may influence future trade negotiations and consumer sentiment, as the administration continues to navigate the complex interplay between domestic industry support and global market dynamics.
