Trump cuts tariffs on beef, coffee and other foods, in inflation U-turn
The move marks a sharp reversal from the US president, who has insisted that his import duties are not fuelling higher grocery prices
His abrupt retreat from his signature tariff policy on so many staples key to the American diet is significant, and it comes after voters in off-year elections this month cited economic concerns as their top issue, resulting in big wins for Democrats in Virginia, New Jersey and other key races around the country.
“We just did a little bit of a rollback on some foods like coffee,” Trump said aboard Air Force One as he flew to Florida hours after the tariff announcement was made.
Pressed on his tariffs helping to increase consumer prices, Trump acknowledged, “I say they may, in some cases” have that effect.
“But to a large extent they’ve been borne by other countries,” the president added.