Sammy Jo Heaver
Staff Writer
On Wednesday, April 2, newly named as ‘Liberation Day,’ President Trump made a historic executive order calling for a minimum 10% tariff on all goods imported to the United States, in response to what he claimed as a national economic emergency. Along with this, other countries that have large trade deficits with the U.S. will receive even higher tariffs.
A tariff is a tax or duty imposed on certain imported goods, which is meant to raise their price and render them less competitive in the economic market.
According to the White House, “President Trump is ending duty-free de minimis treatment for covered goods from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Hong Kong starting May 2, 2025.” He claims this in response to Chinese-based shippers that were hiding illicit drugs in shipments on account of the de minimis exemptions.
The introduction of these tariffs is meant to discourage the purchasing of goods made outside of America, in an attempt to shift the U.S. economy into a more self-sufficient one, and partly to protect the well being of Americans by preventing the flow of opioids into the country. Many Americans stand behind Trump and his actions, believing that the introduction of these tariffs will bring a rise in America’s global power and a positive shift in the economy. Many Trump supporters and most Democrats seem to feel that this decision will greatly affect the future of trade relations between the United States and the rest of the world.
Senior Peyton Hanser expressed her concern for the situation. She believes that the imposition of these tariffs will negatively affect our global relationships.
“I don’t think it shows that we’re willing to work and come to agreements,” she said. “I think it shows that we want to set a hard line, and we expect other countries to adjust themselves to that, instead of reaching a negotiation. So I just think it makes us look very self centered.”
In regards to U.S. reactions, Hanser felt sympathetic towards those who these tariffs will likely effect.
“A lot of people are upset and confused and not understanding why things are getting more expensive, and why things aren’t getting better in the way that they promised,” Hanser said.
Prices are rising in the U.S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index has risen by almost 3% in the last year, and it’s predicted to keep rising.
China has retaliated with their own 125% tariff on all imported U.S. goods in response to the ongoing trade war. The stock market has seen one of the worst declines since the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Trent Warnock, president of college Republicans at FSC also weighed in on the situation.
“[Trump is] right in saying that these things are a problem and so I’m glad that he’s trying to address them,” Warnock said. “I don’t like tariffs as much as a way to address them because of the short term consequences.”
Ultimately, the success or failure of these tariffs depends on the global response and whether the U.S. economy can weather the short-term challenges. For now, many Americans remain uncertain about what the future of the economy will look like, but Warnock stressed that things will likely work out in the long term for the U.S. – even with a possible recession. I’m hopeful that it works out for Trump.”
While many Americans are shocked at these recent developments surrounding the economy and global trade, many citizens like Hanser are not.
“I think it’s confirming what I thought and knew was going to happen, and it’s just unfortunate.” Hanser said. “Just educate yourself – and educate yourself from trustworthy sources and do the thinking and critical reflection.”
