Washington, D.C. — November 14, 2025
President Donald J. Trump today issued an executive order that eliminates U.S. tariffs on key food‑import categories—including beef, coffee, tropical fruits and other agricultural commodities—in what his administration describes as a strategic recalibration of trade policy amid growing pressure from consumers facing high grocery prices.
Earlier this year, President Trump had invoked sweeping new “reciprocal” tariffs under Executive Order 14257 to address what his administration described as the United States’ large and persistent trade deficits. Under that prior policy, tariffs were broadly applied on imports from many countries, including food and agricultural products.
However, in today’s announcement the White House noted that significant progress in trade negotiations has enabled a narrowing of tariff scope. The fact‑sheet states:
“Given the substantial progress in reciprocal trade negotiations—including the conclusion of 9 framework deals, 2 final agreements on reciprocal trade, and 2 investment agreements … certain qualifying agricultural products will no longer be subject to the reciprocal tariffs.
The products specified in the fact‑sheet include: coffee, tea, tropical fruits and fruit juices, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef and certain fertilizers.
This shift comes amid mounting public complaints about the cost of living, especially grocery bills. Data show steep price increases in everyday staples: beef prices have surged, bananas and other produce are up, and many Americans are citing inflation and affordability as key concerns.
The administration framed the tariff removal as a step toward “ensuring continued adequate supply at prices consumers can afford.” Industry groups welcomed the move as “swift tariff relief”.
President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One shortly after the order, acknowledged for the first time that tariffs “may, in some cases” raise consumer prices—though he maintained his prior stance that much of the burden was borne by other countries.
While the removal of tariffs on selected food items appears tactical, it signals a broader recalibration of the Trump administration’s trade strategy. By tying the tariff relief to bilateral deals with countries such as Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala and El Salvador—which produce large volumes of goods the U.S. cannot domestically harvest in sufficient quantities—the White House argued that the timing was appropriate.
The administration also reiterated that the tariff revenue collected would continue to support federal objectives, including proposed rebates for lower‑ and middle‑income Americans and debt reduction initiatives.
Critics immediately seized on the move as an implicit admission that the prior tariffs were contributing to inflation and cost pressures for households. Representative Don Beyer (D‑Va.) stated:
“President Trump is finally admitting what we always knew: his tariffs are raising prices for the American people.
Business‑groups also highlighted that while the tariff relief is welcome, the high cost of many items remains, and they called on the administration to expand relief beyond the limited list of products.
From a trade‑policy vantage, the reversal raises questions about the durability of the “reciprocal tariff” framework, and whether industries and global partners will perceive U.S. policy as stable and predictable. Some exporters to the U.S., especially in Latin America, may view this as a positive shift; but others could remain cautious.
President Trump has signed an executive order eliminating U.S. tariffs on beef, coffee, bananas (and other tropical fruits), cocoa, tea and spices—marking a major rollback of his earlier protectionist trade policy amid soaring grocery bills. Industry groups praised the move; Democrats say it confirms the tariffs were hurting American consumers.