On November 14, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order revising the scope of global tariffs, specifically eliminating levies on several grocery staples in response to increasing concerns regarding high food prices. The order indicated that updated recommendations and progress in trade discussions necessitated modifications to the list of goods subject to tariffs. It specified that certain agricultural products would no longer be subject to the reciprocal tariffs established under Executive Order 14257.

The White House fact sheet accompanying the order identified specific items affected by this change, including coffee, tea, tropical fruits, cocoa, spices, beef, and various fertilizers. This adjustment follows a significant rise in food prices, with the Consumer Price Index reporting an 18.9% increase in roasted coffee, a 12.9% increase in ground beef, and a 6.9% increase in bananas since September 2025.

Trump characterized the changes as a minor rollback, acknowledging that tariffs may have contributed to higher grocery prices, although he claimed that much of the burden had been absorbed by other countries. This decision marks a notable shift in Trump's economic strategy, which had previously focused on imposing high global import tariffs to bolster U.S. manufacturing.

The timing of the tariff rollback coincides with recent electoral successes for the Democratic Party, which have been attributed in part to voter concerns over the cost of living. Democrats have interpreted this move as an acknowledgment of the negative impact of tariffs on American consumers. Representative Don Beyer of Virginia stated that the rollback validates their long-held position that Trump's tariffs were increasing prices.

Industry groups, including the Food Industry Association, welcomed the tariff relief, emphasizing its importance for maintaining adequate supply and affordable prices for consumers. The administration framed the rollback as a reflection of progress in trade negotiations with several countries, including Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Argentina, which export goods that the U.S. does not produce in sufficient quantities to meet domestic demand. Trump had hinted at these changes in a recent interview, indicating a forthcoming reduction in tariffs on coffee.