Baked beans, bananas, and olive oil are among the food products set to become cheaper under proposed government tariff cuts, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves vows to reduce the cost of 'everyday essentials' amid soaring prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
Government Announces Tariff Reductions on Over 100 Items
Ministers have published a list of more than 100 everyday essentials that will see targeted tariff reductions, alongside an increase in mileage rates for the first time in 15 years. The list covers a broad range of items, from fresh fruit and vegetables, oils, and baked goods to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks. A consultation on the changes will run until June 24, but no specific timeline has been provided for their implementation.
Chancellor's Statement on Cost of Living Measures
Ms Reeves stated: 'The war in Iran isn't our war, but one we will need to respond to, and my priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses. That's why we're freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years, and slashing VAT temporarily this summer to help reduce the cost of days out.'
The proposed tariff cuts are part of a broader strategy to alleviate financial pressures on families and businesses. The full list of affected products includes:
- Garlic, gherkins, aubergines, sweet peppers, other peppers (capsicum/pimenta)
- Olives (fresh/chilled, for oil production, frozen)
- Plantains (fresh and dried), bananas (fresh and dried), limes, citrus fruits (various), avocados, fresh figs, dried figs, other fresh fruits, frozen fruits
- Dried apricots, dried apples, dried peaches/nectarines, dried pears, dried papaya, mixed dried fruit
- Mixed nuts, mixed fruit and nuts, green tea
- Buckwheat, fonio, quinoa
- Olive oil (extra virgin, virgin, other), margarine, mixed fats and oils, vegetable oils
- Chewing gum, liquorice products, white chocolate, marzipan and pastes, throat pastilles, sugar confectionery, boiled sweets, toffees and caramels, sugar tablets
- Cocoa paste, cocoa powder, chocolate (bulk and retail), chocolate bars, chocolate with fruit, nuts or cereal, chocolate spreads, chocolate drink preparations
- Couscous, crispbread, gingerbread, biscuits, waffles and wafers, rusks, toasted bread products, bread, pizzas and quiches
- Pickled peppers, prepared vegetables, crisps, processed potatoes, baked beans, preserved beans, preserved vegetables, preserved tropical fruit, candied fruit, jams and marmalades, preserved citrus fruits, mixed preserved fruit and nuts
- Tomato ketchup, tomato sauces, soups and broths, non-alcoholic beverages, plant-based drinks
The government hopes these measures will provide significant relief to consumers grappling with rising living costs.
