Trump Cuts Tariffs on Food Imports; India’s Mango and Tea Exports Likely to Gain

New York — US President Donald Trump has reduced tariffs on several food imports as “affordability” becomes a rising political concern, a move that could benefit Indian exports such as mangoes, pomegranates, and tea.

According to a White House announcement on Friday, tropical fruits and juices, tea, and spices will not face reciprocal tariffs. Other exempted items include coffee, cocoa, oranges, tomatoes, and beef.

Trump had previously imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on Indian imports, along with an additional 25 per cent penalty for India’s purchase of Russian oil. However, to curb inflation, he had earlier removed tariffs on generic medicines—an exemption that helped India, which supplies nearly half of all generic drugs prescribed in the US.

Some food prices had risen because importers and retailers passed on higher tariff costs to consumers. In recent elections in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia, Democrats’ focus on rising living costs helped them secure key victories, while Trump concentrated more on foreign policy issues.

A recent NBC News poll revealed that 63 per cent of registered voters believe Trump has not met expectations on managing the cost of living. Even 30 per cent of Republicans agreed. Trump dismissed the concern as a political tactic, arguing that petrol and energy prices are lower now and noting that inflation was significantly higher at one stage under former President Joe Biden.

Although inflation has slowed since its peak during Biden’s tenure, it still stood at 3 per cent in September. Meanwhile, specific food categories have seen sharper price increases—roasted coffee rose by 18.9 per cent, and beef and veal by 14.7 per cent, according to Consumer Price Index data. Indian grocery stores in the US have also seen spices and other food imports become nearly 30 per cent more expensive.

India’s mango exports to the US hold symbolic value. The ban on Indian mangoes was lifted in 2006 under former President George W. Bush with much publicity. Mangoes have since featured in high-level India–US discussions. During Trump’s visit to India in February, the joint statement noted New Delhi’s appreciation for steps taken to increase exports of Indian mangoes and pomegranates to the US.

With inputs from IANS