How Can Tariffs Affect the Everyday Lives of People?

Tariffs, such as those implemented during the Trump administration, can influence everyday expenses by raising the cost of goods subject to import taxes. And this can mean higher prices on items like electronics, clothing and food, as businesses often pass their increased costs onto consumers. These additional expenses could impact household budgets, especially for families relying on imported goods. Tariffs can also have broader economic implications, including potential shifts in job markets and trade relationships, which may indirectly affect daily life for people.

A financial advisor can help you determine how tariffs and other taxes could affect your investments.

What Is a Tariff?

A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported or exported goods. Typically, import tariffs are designed to protect domestic industries by making foreign products more expensive, encouraging consumers to buy locally produced goods. 

Tariffs can also serve as a source of government revenue or as a tool for negotiating trade agreements. They are categorized into two main types: ad valorem tariffs, which are based on a percentage of the product’s value, and specific tariffs, which impose a fixed price per unit.

How Do Tariffs Impact the Economy?

Tariffs influence the economy by altering trade flows, production costs and consumer behavior. For domestic producers, tariffs may offer a competitive edge against foreign competitors, potentially boosting local industry and job creation in the short term. However, tariffs also can lead to retaliatory measures from trade partners, reducing export opportunities for domestic businesses. 

The increased costs for imported goods often ripple through supply chains, raising production costs for industries reliant on foreign materials, which can result in higher prices for consumers. Over time, these cost increases can contribute to inflation and decreased economic efficiency.

How Do Tariffs Impact Everyday People?

Tariffs can directly impact everyday people by increasing the prices of imported goods. When a government imposes tariffs, the added costs are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for everything from cars and electronics to clothing and food. This makes it more expensive for people to purchase these items, affecting their overall spending power and budget.

Besides raising prices, tariffs can also limit the variety of products available to consumers. With higher import costs, some foreign goods may become too expensive to stock, reducing choices for consumers. This might force people to settle for less desirable domestic alternatives, which may not always match the quality or price of the imported goods they replace.

Over time, the increased costs and reduced choices can lead to a higher cost of living, particularly affecting households with limited budgets. These households might find it harder to afford essential goods, which could reduce their quality of life. Moreover, if the tariffs lead to trade disputes and economic downturns, job security and wages could also be impacted, further straining the financial stability of everyday people.

Tariffs During the First Trump Administration

Between 2017 and 2021, the Trump administration implemented several significant tariffs, notably on steel, aluminum and a wide array of Chinese imports. In March 2018, tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum were imposed, affecting imports from various countries, including allies such as Canada (take note that tariffs on Canadian steel were lifted in 2019, and those on aluminum ended in 2020) and the European Union. 

These measures aimed to bolster domestic metal industries and address national security concerns. Additionally, a series of tariffs targeting Chinese goods were enacted under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, citing unfair trade practices. By September 2019, tariffs covered approximately $360 billion worth of Chinese imports, encompassing products like electronics, apparel and machinery.

The Biden administration largely maintained these tariffs, with some adjustments. In May 2024, tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) were increased from 25% to 100%, and duties on solar cells rose from 25% to 50%. Tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from China were also tripled.

Effect on Consumers and Taxpayers

The Trump and Biden administrations’ actions aimed to protect U.S. industries from subsidized foreign competition and to encourage domestic manufacturing. However, the financial burden of these tariffs on American taxpayers was substantial.

The Tax Foundation estimated that the combined tariffs amounted to one of the largest tax increases in decades, with Americans paying nearly $80 billion in additional taxes due to these trade policies. This figure reflects the direct costs borne by U.S. businesses and consumers, as importers often pass the increased expenses down the supply chain.

Economically, the tariffs had multifaceted effects. While intended to protect domestic industries, they led to higher prices for consumers and disruptions in supply chains. The Congressional Budget Office projected that the tariffs would reduce the level of real GDP by roughly 0.5% and raise consumer prices by 0.5% in 2020. This would translate to an average real household income reduction of $1,277 in that year.

The Tax Foundation analysis also estimates that the Trump-Biden tariffs will reduce long-term gross domestic product by 0.2% and result in the reduction of 142,000 full-time equivalent jobs.

Furthermore, retaliatory tariffs from trade partners adversely affected U.S. exports, particularly in the agricultural sector, prompting both the Trump and Biden administration throughout the first three years of their presidencies to each provide nearly $57 billion in total aid to farmers impacted by the trade disputes.

Tariffs During Trump’s Second Administration

Following his re-election in 2024, President Trump signed executive orders imposing a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, with a reduced 10% tariff specifically on Canadian energy exports.

These measures were set to take effect on February 4, 2025, and were justified by the administration as necessary to address issues related to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly the influx of fentanyl into the United States.

The tariffs were implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), allowing the President to regulate commerce in response to national emergencies.

This announcement of these tariffs prompted immediate discussions with Canadian and Mexican officials.

On February 3, 2025, President Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on the tariffs after both neighboring countries pledged to enhance their border enforcement efforts to curb illegal activities.

These proposed tariffs are expected to affect a wide range of consumer products, including electronics, automobiles and agricultural goods. Economists anticipate that the increased costs for importers will likely be passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices for everyday items.

The National Retail Federation estimates that American consumers may lose between $46 billion and $78 billion in purchasing power.

“While some U.S. manufacturers may benefit from the tariffs, the gains to U.S. producers and the Treasury from tariff revenue do not outweigh overall losses to consumers,” the NRF said, adding that $50 pair of athletic sneakers would jump to between $59 and $64, while a $2,000 mattress and box spring would increase in cost to as much as $2,190.

“Within each category, higher prices and loss of spending power would hit low-income families especially hard,” said the NRF.

Trade partners have signaled potential retaliatory measures, which could further impact U.S. exports and escalate trade tensions. The Canadian government, for example, has indicated plans to respond with tariffs on U.S. goods if the proposed duties are enacted.

Bottom Line

Tariffs—whether implemented to protect domestic industries, address trade imbalances or generate revenue—have far-reaching consequences for economies and individuals. While they may bolster certain sectors in the short term, the associated costs often ripple through supply chains, affecting consumer prices and economic efficiency. The Trump and Biden administrations’ tariff policies illustrate how trade strategies can significantly influence household budgets and employment. 

Investment Planning Tips

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