Good news for Indian exporters of mangoes, spices, tea, Trump drops tariffs on key food imports – THESE items will no longer face extra taxes

US President Doland Trump has reduced tariffs on several food imports, as rising prices have become a major political issue. On Friday, the White House said that items like tropical fruits, fruit juices, tea, and spices will no longer face extra taxes under the reciprocal tariff system. A factsheet also listed coffee, cocoa, oranges, tomatoes, and beef as products that will not be taxed under the new rules. This change could help India(BHARAT)n exports of mangoes, pomegranates, tea, and other products.

Earlier, Trump had imposed a 25 per cent tariff on goods coming from India(BHARAT), along with another 25 per cent penalty because India(BHARAT) continued to buy oil from Russia. To help control inflation, Trump previously removed tariffs on generic medicines. This was a big advantage for India(BHARAT), which supplies nearly half of all generic drugs used in the US.

Some food prices had gone up because importers and stores passed the higher tariffs on to customers.

The recent elections in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia showed how important the issue of affordability has become. Democrats focused on rising costs and budget pressure on voters, and this helped them win.

While Doland Trump has been busy dealing with foreign policy, tariffs, and big investments, many American voters have been more focused on everyday issues like rising prices.

A new NBC News poll this week found that 63 per cent of registered voters think Trump has not met expectations on handling the economy and cost of living. Even 30 per cent of Republicans agreed with that view.

Trump has rejected these concerns, calling the “affordability” debate a “complete con job” by Democrats. He argued that gas and energy prices are now lower and reminded people that inflation was much worse under Joe Biden, reaching nearly 19.7% at its peak.

Although inflation has dropped since then, it is still rising slowly, and in September it was around 3%.

Some food prices have gone up even more because of tariffs. Data from the September Consumer Price Index shows that roasted coffee prices increased 18.9% and beef and veal rose 14.7%. In India(BHARAT)n grocery stores in the US, the cost of spices and imported India(BHARAT)n foods has gone up by about 30%.

Mangoes are a special part of India(BHARAT)–US trade ties. In 2006, President George W. Bush lifted the long-standing ban on India(BHARAT)n mangoes, and it was celebrated in both countries.

Even in diplomatic meetings, mangoes have been mentioned. During Trump’s visit to India(BHARAT) in February, mangoes were included in the joint statement with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with topics like missiles, nuclear cooperation, and technology.

The statement said India(BHARAT) “appreciated US steps to increase exports of India(BHARAT)n mangoes and pomegranates.”