The Government is proposing tariff cuts on a series of food items to improve the cost of living crisis. The list includes a number of Fairtrade products, including bananas, cocoa, sweets, fruit juices, nuts and biscuits. The Government has asked for feedback on their proposals by 24 June. 

Marie Rumsby, Director of Advocacy at the Fairtrade Foundation, said:

“Whilst we recognise the cost of living pressures facing UK families - and efforts to address them – proposals to suspend tariffs on key food products raise serious concerns about the impact on the farmers who grow them. 

“Suspending tariffs on agricultural products risks overlooking the preferential trade arrangements in place for lower-income countries, leaving small-scale farmers unable to compete with heavily subsidised, mass-produced exports from wealthier nations. The result can be devastating — pushing producers out of business and deepening rural poverty.”

"Farmers producing everyday staples like bananas, sugar and cocoa are already struggling with rising input costs, disrupted trade routes due to the Iran conflict, and escalating climate shocks. Many are paid below the cost of production. Any further squeeze risks undermining their livelihoods and threatening long‑term supply.

"Instead of reducing tariffs, the Government should prioritise building fairer, more resilient supply chain – including introducing mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD) so businesses are accountable for their global impacts.”

- END -