US President Donald Trump has cut tariffs on food imports as “affordability” emerges as a potential political factor, and India’s mango, pomegranate, and tea exports may benefit.
Tropical fruits and juices, tea, and spices are among the imports that will not be affected by reciprocal tariffs, the White House announced on Friday. Other items mentioned in the White House factsheet include coffee and tea, cocoa, oranges, tomatoes, and beef.
Trump had previously imposed 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on imports from India and added an additional 25 per cent punitive tariff for buying Russian oil.
To contain inflation, Trump earlier exempted generic medicines from tariffs, benefiting India, which supplies 47 per cent of the generic medicines prescribed in the US.
Some of the increases in food prices were due to the higher tariffs, which were passed on, in whole or in part, by importers and retailers to customers.
In recent elections in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia, Democrats’ campaign focus on “affordability”—rising costs straining voters’ budgets—contributed to their victories.
While Trump has been engrossed in international affairs, tariffs, and investments, voters were concerned with the more immediate issue of rising prices.
An NBC News poll released this week showed that 63 per cent of all registered voters said Trump had fallen short of their expectations on the cost of living and the economy, including 30 per cent of Republicans.
Trump dismissed the “affordability” issue as a “complete con job” by the Democrats, citing lower petrol and energy prices and the higher inflation rate under former President Joe Biden, which had reached 19.7 per cent at one point.
Although inflation during Biden’s tenure has been contained, it remains at 3 per cent as of September. However, some food products have continued to see price increases fueled by tariffs. Roasted coffee prices rose by 18.9 per cent, and beef and veal by 14.7 per cent, according to September Consumer Price Index data. Prices of spices and other food imports from India have increased by about 30 per cent in Indian grocery stores.
India’s mango imports hold a special place in India-US relations after former President George W. Bush lifted the ban in 2006. During his February visit to India, Trump highlighted mangoes alongside missiles, nuclear cooperation, and technology innovation in the joint statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“India also expressed appreciation for US measures taken to enhance exports of Indian mangoes and pomegranates to the United States,” the statement said.
(IANS)