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Trump rolls back tariffs on dozens of food products

November 15, 2025

President Trump signed an executive order exempting over 100 food products from his tariff program, including coffee, bananas, beef, and various produce items that cannot be domestically produced in adequate quantities. This policy reversal follows the Republican Party's weak showing in recent elections and increasing political pressure over rising consumer prices, particularly grocery and beef costs. While Trump previously dismissed inflation concerns and insisted tariffs wouldn't raise prices, the administration is now retroactively removing levies on food staples and negotiating lower import taxes with Latin American countries.

Who is affected

  • US consumers facing higher grocery prices
  • The Trump administration and Republican Party
  • Meat-packing industry companies (facing investigation)
  • Exporting countries and trading partners subject to tariffs
  • Four Latin American countries involved in new trade deals
  • American taxpayers (regarding proposed $2,000 rebate checks)

What action is being taken

  • Trump signed an executive order exempting food products from tariffs
  • The administration is implementing retroactive tariff exemptions effective midnight Thursday, November 13
  • Trump called for an investigation into the meat-packing industry for alleged price manipulation
  • The US Supreme Court is currently weighing the legal authority for Trump's tariff implementation
  • The administration is lowering import taxes on coffee and bananas through trade deals with four Latin American countries

Why it matters

  • This represents a significant policy reversal that acknowledges tariffs are contributing to higher consumer prices, contradicting Trump's previous claims. The exemptions signal that political pressure from voters concerned about affordability can force major policy changes, particularly after electoral consequences. This shift demonstrates the tension between protectionist trade policies and consumer welfare, with the administration prioritizing relief from rising grocery costs over maintaining comprehensive tariff coverage.

What's next

  • Coffee prices are expected to decrease by 20% in the US this year according to administration promises
  • Prices for exempted food products should decline "in a very short period of time" according to Trump
  • The US Supreme Court will issue a decision on whether Trump had legal authority to implement the tariffs

Read full article from source: BBC

Trump rolls back tariffs on dozens of food products