Trump Lifts Tariffs on Beef and Key Ag Imports

November 16, 2025

President Donald J. Trump has signed an Executive Order further modifying the scope of the reciprocal tariffs first announced on April 2, 2025. The latest action removes certain qualifying agricultural products from tariff requirements, marking another step in the Administration’s ongoing effort to strengthen the U.S. economy, national security, and global trade position.

The order follows months of progress in reciprocal trade negotiations. Since announcing the tariffs in April to address national security concerns stemming from persistent trade deficits and a lack of reciprocity in bilateral relationships, the President has repeatedly adjusted the policy to reflect evolving economic and strategic needs.

Agricultural Products Removed From Tariffs

Based on domestic demand, U.S. production capacity, and the conclusion of multiple trade agreements, President Trump has determined that several agricultural imports will no longer be subject to reciprocal tariffs. These goods—many of which are not grown or produced in sufficient quantities in the United States—have been added to Annex II of Executive Order 14257.

Products newly excluded from tariffs include:

• coffee and tea
• tropical fruits and fruit juices
• cocoa and spices
• bananas, oranges, and tomatoes
• beef
• additional fertilizers

Some fertilizers were never subject to reciprocal tariffs, while others have now been removed. In addition, any products taken off the tariff list have also been removed from the “Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners” (PTAAP) Annex where appropriate.

The PTAAP Annex continues to include natural resources unavailable in the United States due to geology or climate, generic pharmaceutical inputs, and aircraft and aircraft parts. The President signaled he may further revise the tariffs on these items following the conclusion of future reciprocal trade and security agreements.

Trade Negotiation Progress Drives Policy Adjustments

The latest tariff modifications come after what the Administration describes as “substantial progress” in securing more balanced trade relationships. To date, the President has announced two final reciprocal trade agreements, nine framework deals, and two investment agreements.

This includes Agreements on Reciprocal Trade with Malaysia and Cambodia, and frameworks with El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, Thailand, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Switzerland, along with investment deals with Japan and Korea.

Many of these partner countries produce agricultural goods that the United States does not grow or cannot supply in adequate volumes—making tariff adjustments both economically significant and strategically aligned with ongoing negotiations.

Administration Highlights Benefits for U.S. Producers

The White House says these trade efforts continue to “deliver significant and lasting wins” by breaking down long-standing barriers that have limited American competitiveness. According to the Administration, reciprocal tariffs have incentivized reshoring, encouraged manufacturing on U.S. soil, and defended domestic industries from unfair foreign practices.

Key trade achievements highlighted include:

• A “massive deal” with the European Union, under which the EU will purchase $750 billion in U.S. energy and invest $600 billion in the United States by 2028 while accepting a 15% tariff rate and charging American companies none.
• Cambodia agreeing to eliminate tariffs on 100% of U.S. industrial and agricultural goods.
• Malaysia committing to reduce trade barriers and expand market access for American vehicles, machinery, dairy, and poultry.
• Four Latin American frameworks that further open regional markets to U.S. exports and deepen economic security partnerships.

The Administration reports that billions of dollars in reshoring investments have already been announced, with expectations of revitalizing industries, communities, and supply chains nationwide.

The revised tariff schedules—including the updated Annex II and PTAAP Annex—took effect November 13, 2025. The Administration says it will continue negotiating reciprocal trade deals and stands ready to adjust tariffs when partner nations align with U.S. economic and national security priorities.

Source: Western Ag Network, The White House