Trump Administration May Cut Import Tariffs to Tackle Rising Food Prices

Top U.S. officials are signaling possible changes to President Donald Trump’s import tariff policies in a bid to control soaring food prices. Significant reductions in tariffs on popular consumer goods such as bananas and coffee may soon be announced, according to senior administration figures.

Kevin Hassett, chairman of the National Economic Council, hinted this week that the Trump administration could adjust import duties on food products to help lower prices. Speaking at an event in Washington, Hassett said, “There’s been a lot of public discussion in recent days about possible tariff changes. I believe we may indeed see some adjustments in this area.”

Although he described the current inflation levels in the U.S. as “normal,” Hassett acknowledged that food prices have risen further under President Trump’s tenure.

On the same day, Treasury Secretary Scott Bassett told Fox Business that the administration will soon make “a major announcement aimed at reducing food prices.” The announcement is expected to include reductions in import tariffs on coffee, bananas, and other fruits.

The United States, the world’s largest coffee consumer, imports most of its coffee from Brazil. After the Trump administration imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian coffee, domestic prices surged sharply. The U.S. also imports bananas and other fruits from various Latin American and Caribbean nations—countries that have likewise faced high U.S. import duties under Trump’s trade policy.

Experts suggest that the move comes in the wake of disastrous results for Republicans in the New York City mayoral race and several gubernatorial elections. Many analysts have blamed the controversial tariff policies for the defeat of Trump-backed candidates, as rising consumer prices have made life increasingly difficult for ordinary Americans.