U.S. President Donald Trump has withdrawn tariffs on more than 200 food and agricultural products, including beef, coffee, bananas, and orange juice, amid growing public discontent over inflation. The tariff relief, effective from midnight Thursday (November 13), marks a significant shift in Trump’s trade policy. Source: Reuters

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday (November 14), Trump acknowledged that tariffs “in some cases” affect prices but claimed the U.S. now has “almost no inflation.” He added, “Coffee prices were high—they’ll come down very quickly. I don’t think we’ll need more rollbacks.”

High grocery costs were a key factor in recent Republican losses in local elections in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City, where Democrats emphasized “affordable food” as a winning issue.

The White House stated that tariff exemptions apply only to goods not produced domestically or in short supply. The list includes oranges, açaí berries, paprika, cocoa, fertilizers, food-grade chemicals, and even communion wafers used in churches.

The administration has signed framework trade agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador, under which tariffs on certain agricultural imports from these countries will be removed.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index, beef prices are up 13% year-over-year, steak 17%, bananas 7%, and home food costs rose 2.7% in September—the highest in recent years.

Trade experts say Trump’s own tariffs were a major driver of food price hikes. They warn that remaining duties could push prices higher next year if fully passed on to consumers.

The food industry welcomed the move. Leslie Sarasin, president of FMI–Food Industry Association, said, “Consumers will benefit, and we expect coffee prices to drop.”

However, the Distilled Spirits Council expressed disappointment that high-value spirits like Scotch, cognac, and Irish whiskey were excluded. CEO Chris Swonger said, “These are agricultural products not made in the U.S.—keeping tariffs during the holiday season will hurt hospitality.”

When asked if more exemptions are coming, Trump replied, “I don’t think so. We just did a little rollback.”

Top House Democrat Richard Neal accused Trump of “putting out a fire he started and calling it progress,” noting that inflation has risen since tariffs were imposed and manufacturing has contracted for months.

While short-term relief is expected, analysts caution that broader tariff policies could still fuel future price increases.