Trump Governance Announces Tariff Relief on Coffee, Beef, and Other Imported Goods
WASHINGTON – The Trump administration announced Friday it will remove tariffs on certain qualifying agricultural products, including coffee and beef, in an effort to ease cost-of-living pressures and secure supplies for U.S. companies. The move comes as prices for both commodities have risen considerably in recent months, impacting American consumers.
The tariff reductions target goods not grown in the United States, and are part of a series of trade agreements recently unveiled with Argentina, Guatemala, Ecuador, and El Salvador. Under these reciprocal deals, Washington will also remove tariffs on certain goods the U.S. cannot sufficiently grow, mine, or produce domestically. This action signals a potential shift in the administration’s trade strategy, acknowledging the impact of previously imposed tariffs on consumer prices.
Coffee prices have jumped approximately 20 percent between august and September, driven by a combination of climate shocks and existing tariffs.National Coffee Association president Bill Murray stated the White House move will help “ease cost-of-living pressures for the two-thirds of American adults who rely on coffee each day” and ensure a stable supply for U.S. businesses.
Rising beef prices, attributed to a tighter supply of cattle, are also being addressed by the tariff relief. The White House stated that “certain qualifying agricultural products will no longer be subject to those tariffs, such as certain food not grown in the United States.”
since taking office in January, President Trump has implemented sweeping tariffs on goods from various U.S. trading partners. While the administration has maintained these tariffs are intended to protect American industries, economists have warned they could contribute to inflation and hinder economic growth. Policymakers have already noted that tariffs have pushed up prices on specific goods, and expect this effect to continue.
Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, acknowledged affordability concerns this week, stating, “That’s something that we’re going to fix, and we’re going to fix it right away.” The administration’s latest action represents a step towards addressing those concerns, though the long-term impact on consumer prices and the broader economy remains to be seen.
