In the most recent election cycle, Donald Trump repeated one primary foreign policy plan, tariffs. Specifically, he spoke in support of large tariffs on Chinese goods and smaller new tariffs across many other countries. This is being proposed as a massive revenue generator that can offset future income tax cuts. While tariffs can be useful tools for a multitude of situations, we cannot continue to ignore their current purpose. Tariffs are just a thinly veiled tax on the working class.
While with tariffs foreign firms have generally absorbed large parts of the costs, this is no longer the case, as in our present day, most of these costs are imposed on consumers. We saw this trend manifest in Trump’s first round of tariffs, and recently continue through Biden’s term. As a result, these “economy saving” tariffs will simply become another way to unfairly tax the working class. While the rich are consumers, those with working-class incomes generally spend larger percentages on necessities such as clothing, food and other home goods. Those who own these firms that sell these necessities will impose these costs on those below them to keep profit margins the same. As a result, these tariffs will simply become another way to unfairly tax the working class.
None of this is to mention the lobbying feeding frenzy that takes place with tariffs. The fact that tariffs are a uniquely executive power with little oversight allows unimpeded changes at any time. Throughout a traditional tariff plan’s lifespan, you see numerous exemptions, which often are for whomever can lobby the most. This results in tariffs on luxuries being dropped, while the working class still suffers through increased prices on their necessities. Tariffs are meant to injure foreign countries, but they may end up doing more damage to our workers.
Nicolas Weller, Salt Lake City
