Surveying America: What Do People Really Think About Tariffs?

Why It Matters

Public perception of tariffs directly affects political feasibility of trade legislation, shaping the United States' ability to navigate global economic challenges. Understanding these divides helps policymakers craft strategies that align with voter expectations and maintain competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Americans largely misunderstand who bears tariff costs.
• Partisan gaps widen on trade's impact on prices.
• Younger voters favor stronger executive trade authority.
• Support for congressional oversight splits along party lines.
• Trade with allies viewed more favorably than China.

Pulse Analysis

Trade policy has become a defining force in America’s economic landscape, influencing everything from household budgets to the nation’s standing in the global order. As tariffs re‑emerge as a tool for addressing trade imbalances and protecting strategic industries, policymakers must grapple not only with economic calculations but also with how the public perceives these measures. The sentiment of voters—shaped by media narratives, personal experiences, and partisan cues—can accelerate or stall legislative action, making public opinion a critical variable in the formulation of effective trade strategies.

The CFR‑Morning Consult survey, built on a nationally representative sample, uncovers stark knowledge gaps: a majority of Americans cannot correctly identify who ultimately bears the cost of tariffs, often assuming foreign producers absorb the expense. Partisan lines run deep, with Republicans more likely to view tariffs as a job‑protecting tool, while Democrats emphasize rising consumer prices. Generational differences also surface; younger respondents show greater confidence in presidential authority to negotiate trade deals, whereas older voters lean toward congressional oversight. Additionally, respondents favor trading with traditional allies over China, reflecting broader geopolitical concerns.

These insights carry tangible implications for legislators and executives. As election cycles approach, elected officials may feel pressure to adopt hard‑line tariff positions that resonate with their base, potentially risking retaliatory measures and higher consumer costs. Conversely, the evident public confusion underscores a need for clearer communication about the economic trade‑offs of tariffs. For the United States to sustain its economic leadership, policymakers must balance strategic objectives with an informed electorate, leveraging education campaigns and bipartisan dialogue to shape a trade agenda that supports growth while addressing domestic concerns.

Original Description

Trade policy is reshaping the American economy, household budgets, and the country’s place in the global order. What do Americans actually understand about tariffs, and who do they think is really paying for them? How is partisanship coloring public opinion on trade? And what does it all mean for U.S. economic leadership?

CFR trade expert Inu Manak joins Morning Consult’s Sonnet Frisbie to walk through the findings of their joint survey on American attitudes toward trade and tariffs. Together, they break down what the public understands about how trade works, where knowledge gaps exist across different communities, and what shifting public attitudes on trade could mean for policymakers going forward.

Read the report: https://www.cfr.org/articles/what-americans-really-think-about-trade-and-tariffs

00:00 - Introduction to the Trade & Tariffs Survey

01:34 - How to Design and Field a National Survey

04:27 - Defining a Nationally Representative Sample

06:43 - Takeaway 1: How Much Do Americans Know About Tariffs?

10:31 - The Connection Between Trade and Affordability

14:28 - Partisan Divides: Increased Costs vs. Protecting Jobs

18:51 - Takeaway 2: Trading with Friends, Allies, and China

23:51 - Takeaway 3: Presidential Authority and Checks & Balances

24:25 - Generational Differences in Views on Executive Power

28:20 - Party Lines and Support for Congressional Oversight

31:33 - Conclusion: Is There a "Pro-Trade" Party?

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This work represents the views and opinions solely of the author. The Council on Foreign Relations is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher, and takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

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