US President Donald Trump has announced fresh tariff cuts on several food imports as rising living costs become a major political issue across the United States. The decision is expected to benefit India, particularly exporters of mangoes, pomegranates, tea, spices, and tropical fruit products.
According to the White House, items such as tea, coffee, cocoa, tropical juices, oranges, tomatoes, and beef will not face additional reciprocal tariffs. This marks a partial reversal of Trump&rsquo;s earlier 25 per cent duty on goods from India, which also included an extra 25 per cent penalty related to India&rsquo;s purchase of Russian oil.
To address inflation concerns, Trump had previously exempted generic medicines from tariffs, a major advantage for India, which supplies nearly half of all generic prescriptions in the US. Several food categories had seen price spikes due to the higher tariffs, with importers and retailers passing on the extra costs to customers.
Recent elections in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia showed that &ldquo;affordability&rdquo; played a crucial role in voter decisions and helped Democrats secure key wins. While Trump continues to focus on international policy and trade, many voters remain worried about rising household expenses.
An NBC News poll found that 63 per cent of registered voters believe Trump has not met expectations on handling the economy and cost of living. Even 30 per cent of Republican voters agreed. Trump has dismissed affordability concerns as political messaging, pointing instead to lower fuel prices and contrasting inflation rates under former President Joe Biden.
Despite inflation slowing to 3 per cent in September, some food prices have remained high. Roasted coffee saw an 18.9 per cent jump, while beef and veal rose nearly 15 per cent. Meanwhile, spices and Indian food imports have climbed about 30 per cent in US Indian grocery stores.
India&rsquo;s mango exports hold symbolic significance in bilateral ties, especially since the US lifted a long-standing ban in 2006. Mangoes were also highlighted during Trump&rsquo;s 2020 visit to India, where both leaders noted efforts to increase exports of Indian mangoes and pomegranates.
The latest tariff cuts are expected to ease prices for US consumers while opening new opportunities for Indian exporters in a politically charged economic climate.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]

US tariff cuts on food imports may boost India’s mango, tea and spice exports

Trump Cuts Tariffs; India Exports Gain Boost

US tariff cuts on food imports may boost India’s mango, tea and spice exports

November 15, 2025 | 09:24 IST