Trump Lowers Tariffs on Coffee, Beef, and Fruits Amid Rising Cost Concerns

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday reducing tariffs on several agricultural imports — including coffee, beef, tomatoes, and bananas — in an effort to address growing public concern about rising food prices.

The order, backdated to Thursday, excludes the listed goods from “reciprocal” tariffs that previously ranged from 10% to as high as 50%. However, it does not remove tariffs entirely. For example, tomatoes imported from Mexico will still face a 17% tariff, which took effect in July after a long-standing trade agreement expired.

Tariffs on commodities like coffee and bananas had contributed to significant price hikes over the past year. Coffee imports from Brazil, which faced a 50% tariff since August, helped drive a 20% increase in retail coffee prices, according to Consumer Price Index data.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration targeted products “we don’t grow here in the United States,” such as coffee and bananas, to reduce consumer costs without harming domestic producers.

The move follows recent voter frustration over affordability issues expressed in exit polls from off-year elections, where Democrats gained traction in several states.

Earlier in the day, the Trump administration also announced a new trade framework with Switzerland, lowering tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%.

The White House said these actions are part of a broader effort to stabilize food prices and strengthen trade relationships.

Credit: CNN Newsource

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.