The government has announced it will remove tariffs from a raft of food imports in a bid to help the industry tackle the threat of inflation.
Products including pasta, juices, tuna, oranges, peaches and other staples of the weekly shop are being targeted in measures beginning today.
The government said Chancellor Rachel Reeves was acting to ease pressure on prices following a meeting with supermarket leaders last month.
However, retail leaders have warned the moves go nowhere near far enough and urged ministers to concentrate on tackling energy costs, which they said would have a much greater impact.
Tariffs ranging from 2% to 50% of the imported cost of the product are being reduced to 0% until the end of 2028. The Treasury said the measure would affect over £2bn worth of imports to the UK, securing lower prices at the till.
It said the measures were focused on products for which there was little or no production in the UK.
The move follows what the government said was a productive meeting that Reeves and environment secretary Emma Reynolds held with Tesco, Sainsbury’s and other major supermarkets.
Reeves said: “It is extremely frustrating to see a war we didn’t start hurting family finances here at home.
“Whether it be through suspending tariffs to make food cheaper, taking £117 off household energy bills, or freezing rail fares and prescription charges, I will support those who need it most.”
Reynolds said: “People are worried about what the conflict in the Middle East could mean for their food bills. That’s why we’re suspending select food tariffs, easing pressure on household budgets while continuing to support British farmers and keep our food supply secure.
“We’re working closely with supermarkets, producers and suppliers to protect family finances and ensure farmers can continue producing high‑quality British food.”
BRC director of food & sustainability Andrew Opie said: “To support shoppers, the government should focus on the UK’s farmers, food producers, and retailers by fixing the non-commodity charges which inflate business’s energy bills. While any assistance is welcome, cutting tariffs alone will barely touch the sides in offsetting the rising costs supermarkets face.”
One Industry source said the Chancellor was “having a laugh” if she thought the move would help keep down inflation caused by the war.
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