New Delhi, November 17: President Trump signed an order on November 14, 2025 removing tariffs on more than 250 imported products. The list includes beef, coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, tropical fruits, fruit juices, tomatoes and some fertilizers.The move responds to consumer concern over rising grocery prices.
Inflation has been high despite Trump’s repeated claims that it “vanished” after he become President in January. The elevated prices continue to push up household costs and put strain on consumers already dealing with rising expenses.
He has anchored his second term on a strategy of raising import tariffs. The goal to make foreign goods costlier , make companies to shift to manufacturing inside the country see that result in broader economic growth. The entire approach rests on using steep levies as pressure tools to reshape production patterns in favor of the domestic economy.
The exemptions make a huge impact for India. Around $1 billion worth of Indian exports are now freed from tariffs. India sends almost all spices except thyme, valued at $358 million, and tea and coffee valued more than $82 million.
Trump described it as a “small rollback”.
The administration has argued tariffs boosted government revenue, but food price pressure triggered this retreat.
The Food Industry Association supported the rollback, calling the import taxes a factor in already stressed supply chains. They said the step helps keep supply stable and prices manageable.
The White House said some tariffs became unnecessary due to new trade agreements with Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador and Argentina, aimed at expanding U.S. exports while easing duties on agricultural imports.
Trump has also said that his tariffs cannot result in increased prices for U.S. citizens as affordability was a “new word” and a “con job” by Democrats.
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