How Trump’s Tariffs Will Affect Americans
During the 2024 election campaign season, tariffs became a hot topic of discussion and a popular Google search. So, what exactly is a tariff and what do they do?
A tariff is “a schedule of duties imposed by a government on imported or in some countries exported goods,” as stated by Merriam Webster’s Dictionary.
Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada in an executive order he signed on February 1, 2025. Critics of the executive order have said that Trump’s policies could lead to the beginning of a trade war between the U.S and foreign countries.
The Tax Foundation states, “[Trump] subsequently provided a 30-day suspension for the tariffs on Canada and Mexico, while the 10 percent tariffs on all imports from China took effect on February 4, 2025.”
In simple terms, tariffs are a tax on consumers purchasing specific goods. These tariffs that Trump has imposed have broken the agreement that the U.S. had previously with Canada and Mexico for tariff free trading between the countries.
Trump’s tariffs for Canada and Mexico are meant to put pressure on these countries to enact stricter control of their borders. These tariffs will have an impact on car prices, produce, gas, electronics, clothing and children’s toys. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Trump’s tariffs could cost the average American household more than $1,200 annually.
Although Trump has purported that these tariffs will have great benefits for the American people, claiming future wage benefits and an increase in jobs, the bottom line is that Americans will suffer from the added cost that these tariffs will bring on necessary goods. American citizens will pay the price for Trump’s tariffs, without reaping any benefits.
