Joyce N. Boghosian / White House
The President of the USA signed, this Friday, a decree that eliminates the customs tariffs that he himself had imposed, exempting products such as coffee, beef and exotic fruits.
Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of customs duties that had been imposed on beef, coffee and bananas.
“I determined that certain agricultural products should not be subject to the reciprocal customs tariffs” implemented in April, he stated in the decree.
The head of state took this decision at a time when his administration is under pressure to reduce the cost of living for Americans.
To complete list products that the US cannot growor they only produce in insufficient quantity in relation to their needs, such as, in addition to the products mentioned above, the tea, exotic fruits, pine nuts, etc..
Trump comes back
In April, the American president imposed so-called “reciprocal” customs duties of at least 10% on most products entering the USA in the name of reducing the country’s trade deficit and supporting local production.
Estes taxes even covered products that cannot be created on North American soil.
After a resounding defeat in local elections, the Republican majority once again placed the issue of the cost of living at the top of their priorities.
Donald Trump had been re-elected guaranteeing that he would improve Americans’ purchasing power. The White House wanted to highlight this week the measures taken to reduce prices on basic necessitiessuch as gasoline and eggs, as well as the announcement of an agreement to reduce the prices of some weight loss medications.
The White House had announced on Thursday the conclusion of trade agreements with Argentina, Guatemala, Ecuador and El Salvador, providing for lower rates for the entry of certain categories of products from these countries into the North American market.
In four separate statements published on its website, the US presidency states that the aforementioned countries will benefit from reduced import tariffs on certain products, such as agricultural products and textiles, in exchange for a series of commitments, including opening their markets to North American products.
A senior North American official cited by AFP indicated that the general tariffs of 10% imposed on products from Guatemala, El Salvador and Argentina, and 15% on those from Ecuador, would “remain unchanged”, but that there would be “a reduction” on several products.
The senior official, who requested anonymity, cited as an example the bananasfrom which to Guatemala is a major supplier (41% of total US imports), in addition to Ecuador (19%).
On the other hand, the Argentina committed to opening its market to cattle and North American poultry, as well as simplifying the intake of beef.
Some of the agreements announced this Friday also guarantee, according to the aforementioned source, US access to strategic minerals.
