The federal government has announced new tariff exemptions for more than two hundred agricultural products. Items such as coffee, tea, tropical fruits, fruit juices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef, and select fertilizers are now exempt from the ten percent global tariff that took effect earlier this year. The change is retroactive for goods entering the United States beginning November 13, and eligible importers may request refunds under standard customs procedures.
According to the administration, the exemptions reflect recent progress on a series of trade agreements with countries that produce goods not commonly grown domestically. In recent months, the United States has finalized agreements with Cambodia and Malaysia and advanced discussions with several other nations, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Thailand, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, and members of the European Union.
Industry groups have long raised concerns about tariffs on products that have limited domestic availability. and have noted that certain commodities rely on imports due to climate and geographic factors. They welcomed the recent decision as a step that may help stabilize supply and support more predictable pricing for consumers and retailers.
