US Cuts Food Import Tariffs; Opening Door For Boost In India’s Mango And Tea Exports

US President Donald Trump has rolled back tariffs on a range of food imports as concerns over affordability gain traction among American voters.

The decision is expected to benefit India’s exporters of mangoes, pomegranates, tea, spices, and other agricultural products.

The White House announced on Friday that tropical fruits and juices, tea, spices, and similar imports would no longer face reciprocal duties. Other exempted goods include coffee, cocoa, oranges, tomatoes, and beef.

The move marks a partial reversal of the earlier 25 per cent reciprocal tariff imposed on Indian imports, along with an additional punitive 25 per cent levy linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil.

Efforts to curb inflation have already prompted the US administration to exempt generic medicines from higher duties. India, which supplies nearly half of all generic drugs prescribed in the US, was a major beneficiary of that relief.

Affordability Becomes a Rising Political Pressure Point

A portion of rising food prices in the US has been attributed to tariff-driven cost increases passed on to consumers by importers and retailers.

This dynamic played a significant role in the recent electoral outcomes in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia, where Democrats capitalised on voters’ frustrations over higher living costs.

Despite Trump’s focus on global strategy, tariffs, and investment diplomacy, public sentiment has shifted towards day-to-day economic concerns.

A recent NBC News poll showed that 63 per cent of registered voters felt the President had not met their expectations on living costs and the economy, with 30 per cent of Republicans agreeing.

Trump rejected the affordability issue as what he called a ‘complete con job’ by Democrats, highlighting comparatively lower petrol and energy prices.

He also cited the sharp inflation spikes under former President Joe Biden, which at one point reached 19.7 per cent.

While inflation has eased to 3 per cent as of September, several food categories continue to register steep increases. Roasted coffee prices have risen by 18.9 per cent, while beef and veal climbed by 14.7 per cent. Spices and certain Indian food imports have seen price hikes of around 30 per cent in Indian grocery stores in the US.

India’s mango exports hold symbolic importance in bilateral ties, especially since former President George W. Bush lifted the import ban in 2006. The fruit even featured in the joint statement issued during Trump’s visit to India, which noted New Delhi’s appreciation for expanded market access for mangoes and pomegranates.

With tariffs relaxed once again, Indian exporters may now find renewed opportunities in the US market, adding a positive dimension to India–US trade relations.

Also Read: India-Russia Move To Deepen Trade Ties & Unlock Market Access