US President Donald Trump has rolled back tariffs on a range of Indian food products, easing the cost‑pressure many voters feel about groceries and household essentials. The move comes amid growing concern about “affordability” – a political factor that helped Democrats win recent elections in New York City, New Jersey and Virginia.
What’s changed?
In a Friday White House announcement, Trump lifted the 25 percent counter‑tariff on key Indian items that supply U.S. markets. The products now exempt from the higher duty include:
– Tropical fruits and juices
– Tea and spices
– Coffee, cocoa, oranges, tomatoes, and beef
These changes could boost U.S. sales of Indian mangoes, pomegranates and tea, all of which have long been staples in American kitchens. The decision also removes the 25 percent surcharge that was added for buying Russian oil, helping to keep food prices down.
Impact on consumers
Inflation has rattled prices across the marketplace. While the administration had earlier cut tariffs on generic medicines—benefiting India, which supplies 47 percent of the generic drugs used in the U.S.—higher food duties had pushed some costs upward.
Data from the Consumer Price Index shows that roasted coffee climbed 18.9 percent, while beef and veal rose 14.7 percent. Spices and other Indian imports seen in grocery stores have shown price hikes of roughly 30 percent.
“Affordability” is no longer just a slogan. A recent NBC News poll found that 63 percent of registered voters judge Trump poorly on the cost of living, and 30 percent of Republicans share that view. Trump dismissed the concern as a “complete con job” by Democrats, pointing to lower fuel prices and the inflation spike under former President Joe Biden. Although inflation has eased from 19.7 percent to around 3 percent in September, food remains an area of anxiety for many families.
A longer‑term partnership
The lifting of tariffs on mangoes and other goods is part of a broader U.S.–India trade relationship that dates back to President George W. Bush’s 2006 decision to end the ban on Indian mango exports. During President Trump’s visit to New Delhi in February, the trade talk highlighted not only technology and missile cooperation but also the continued exchange of agricultural goods. The joint statement from that visit praised U.S. measures designed to enhance exports of Indian mangoes and pomegranates.
With tariffs eased, U.S. retailers can offer Indian grocery staples at more competitive prices, helping to address the affordability problem that voters face every week. The decision also gives Indian farmers and exporters another boost, deepening the economic ties that have grown stronger over the past decade.
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