Epoch Readers Support Trump’s China Tariffs, Call for US Manufacturing Revival: Poll

President Donald Trump’s decisive action to increase tariffs on Chinese imports to 145 percent—countered by Beijing’s 125 percent retaliatory measures—has sparked a national dialogue on trade, economic sovereignty, and the future of American manufacturing.

A recent survey of 18,438 Epoch Times readers demonstrates significant backing for Trump’s stringent approach against the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its longstanding exploitation of global trade, which has harmed U.S. manufacturing and national security.

The tariffs focus on what Trump describes as the CCP’s predatory practices: currency manipulation, intellectual property theft, forced technology transfers, and state subsidies that create an uneven playing field for American enterprises.

By concentrating on key industries such as steel, technology, and vital minerals, the administration’s trade reform seeks to diminish the U.S.-China trade deficit, enhance national security, and revive manufacturing on American soil.

Although critics caution about potential economic turmoil and increased prices, responses from Epoch Times readers largely perceive Trump’s tariffs as a long-overdue response to China’s trade misconduct.

Strong Support for Tariffs

A primary goal of Trump’s tariff strategy is to reset international trade dynamics and encourage foreign governments to engage in fairer bilateral agreements.

On April 2, Trump implemented a 10 percent baseline tariff on almost all imports. For roughly 60 nations that hold significant trade surpluses with the United States, he enforced larger reciprocal tariffs. China, being the primary target, faced tariffs up to 245 percent on select products.

When asked if the 145 percent tariff on Chinese goods is a justified measure to hold China accountable, 72 percent of respondents strongly agreed, while 13 percent somewhat agreed. Four percent were neutral, and a total of 11 percent disagreed.

While some participants expressed concern regarding the potential negative impact on American exporters and consumers, the majority remained unconcerned. Twenty-three percent indicated they agreed—either strongly or somewhat—that China’s retaliation would inflict serious damage, while 34 percent were neutral and 43 percent disagreed.

At the same time, signs of economic strain are surfacing within China itself. Exporters, factory owners, and industry experts are increasingly alarmed as margins shrink, orders diminish, and unemployment rises.

Critics of Beijing’s reaction argue that a failure by the CCP to negotiate could have adverse effects, increasing China’s economic isolation as other nations seek new trade arrangements with the United States.

A significant majority of readers supported the electronics exemption, with 32 percent strongly agreeing and another 32 percent somewhat agreeing that it was a wise decision. Twelve percent disagreed to some extent, while 24 percent remained neutral.

In response to whether electronics prices are likely to rise despite the exemption, 23 percent strongly agreed and 40 percent somewhat agreed—indicating that a total of 63 percent anticipate price increases despite the exemption. Twenty-eight percent were neutral, six percent somewhat disagreed, and three percent strongly disagreed.

China, which holds a commanding position in the rare earth minerals market by producing approximately 60 percent of the world’s supply, has implemented export controls on these essential elements as part of its response to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

Rare earth metals, consisting of 17 critical elements, are vital in a variety of modern technologies, both civilian and military. Securing supply chains for these elements, which have no viable substitutes, has been a priority for Trump as he aims to enhance the United States’ manufacturing foundation.

Regarding China’s dominance over rare earth minerals and key components, 52 percent of those surveyed strongly agreed—and 19 percent somewhat agreed—that this presents a serious risk to U.S. national security. Fourteen percent were neutral, eight percent somewhat disagreed, and seven percent strongly disagreed.

Return to Factory Work?

Since China’s entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, the U.S. has seen a loss of more than 60,000 factories and 4.7 million manufacturing jobs.

The tariffs instituted by Trump are aimed at reversing this long-standing decline by protecting domestic industries from China’s unfair trade practices. This initiative raises a critical question: are Americans prepared to return to factory jobs in a landscape where employment has predominantly shifted to service-oriented roles?

According to the survey, the response is affirmative. A significant majority—74 percent—believes that Americans are ready to return to factory work if such opportunities arise. Fifteen percent were neutral, while 11 percent were skeptical.

Participants also highlighted the importance of education and job training. Half of all respondents strongly agreed that the U.S. cannot rebuild a robust manufacturing sector without comprehensive reforms in vocational and technical education. An additional 25 percent somewhat agreed, while 15 percent expressed disagreement or uncertainty.

There was a strong consensus among respondents for the necessity of reform in education and vocational training as foundational for revitalizing domestic industry. Fifty percent of those surveyed indicated strong agreement that America cannot resurge in manufacturing without significant educational reform. Another 25 percent somewhat agreed, 10 percent remained neutral, 8 percent somewhat disagreed, and 7 percent strongly opposed the idea.

Nevertheless, when asked whether the lack of skilled workers and decreasing interest in factory jobs represent a greater barrier than policy or taxation issues, opinions were more mixed. While 41 percent agreed, 25 percent were neutral, and 34 percent disagreed, indicating a perception that government policies may pose a more significant challenge to reshoring American manufacturing.

Sustained Pressure on China

U.S. officials have long charged the CCP with a range of trade abuses—from industrial espionage to cyber-attacks aiming at the theft of American intellectual property—posing significant threats to both economic stability and national security.

“At some point, hopefully soon, China will come to realize that the days of exploiting the U.S.A. and other countries are no longer viable or tolerable,” he remarked.

Though Trump has offered to lower tariffs if Beijing engages in serious negotiations, the CCP has displayed minimal inclination for compromise.

In response to the question of whether China would alter its course without consistent economic pressure, a remarkable 86 percent of poll respondents agreed, with 75 percent strongly agreeing. Nine percent disagreed, and four percent were neutral.

Conversely, there was a lack of trust in diplomacy alone. Seventeen percent believed that alliances and diplomatic engagement provide a more effective long-term strategy for dealing with China, whereas 70 percent disagreed.

By contrast, 10 percent strongly agreed that diplomacy and alliances—not tariffs—should be the favored long-term strategy for addressing China. Seven percent somewhat agreed, while 13 percent were neutral, 26 percent somewhat disagreed, and 44 percent strongly disagreed.

The poll findings also indicated a consensus that China’s history—regarding intellectual property theft, enforced technology transfers, and product dumping—has undermined fairness in global trade. Eighty-four percent strongly agreed, and another six percent somewhat concurred, while six percent disagreed.

Manufacturing as a Strategic Priority

Trump has framed the restoration of U.S. manufacturing not only as an economic objective but as a strategic imperative. His administration argues that tariffs create the necessary space for domestic firms to invest, modernize, and expand.

Survey results show overwhelming endorsement for this vision. Eighty-nine percent of respondents believe that rebuilding manufacturing is vital for national strength and global leadership, while only seven percent disagreed.

When asked which factors are most crucial for revitalizing manufacturing, participants identified education, tax policy, and cultural values as key elements. Eighty-one percent noted the importance of improved technical education and job training; 78 percent supported tax and regulatory incentives for reshoring; and 72 percent highlighted the need to restore respect for skilled labor. Sixty-four percent advocated for a more competitive overall tax and regulatory environment, while 60 percent emphasized the importance of stronger tariffs and trade enforcement. Respondents were allowed to choose multiple answers.

In addition to these priorities, over 3,200 readers provided written responses that echoed and elaborated on these themes.

Education Reform Takes Center Stage

Many of the most frequently mentioned themes called for extensive education reform. Respondents largely viewed the revival of vocational and technical training as essential to any successful revival of manufacturing. A general call for a return to fundamental academic subjects—math, civics, literacy—was highlighted alongside hands-on skill development beginning in K-12 education.

Participants expressed notable frustration with what they described as an unprepared, overly entitled workforce and voiced concerns that the “college-for-all” mentality has devalued skilled trades. Some suggested eliminating social media in educational settings, dismantling the Department of Education, and reverting to character-based instruction centered on discipline, patriotism, and work ethic.

While discussions of energy policy, governmental incentives, and cultural attitudes also featured, education repeatedly emerged as the foundational challenge—and the key to America’s industrial resurgence.

Confronting China Head-On

Written responses also uncovered a strong inclination for an uncompromising approach toward China. Numerous readers characterized the CCP as a hostile adversary and the foremost barrier to the revival of American manufacturing.

Suggestions included significantly raising tariffs—some proposing rates as high as 500 percent—complete economic separation, and prohibiting Chinese imports. Others advocated for the removal of Chinese nationals involved in espionage or influence operations. Many respondents held U.S. corporations and politicians responsible for decades of caution that allowed Beijing to gain power at the expense of American industry and sovereignty.

For many, engaging with China directly transcends trade policy; it represents a matter of national survival. They argue that only by directly confronting the CCP can the United States reclaim its manufacturing base and secure its future.

Rethinking the Manufacturing Model

Not all written responses uniformly supported a homegrown manufacturing revival. Some readers questioned whether total reshoring was realistic—or even favorable—in a landscape defined by automation, artificial intelligence, and global competition.

While many still championed bringing critical sectors—such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and defense—back to U.S. territory, others emphasized that modern manufacturing is increasingly automated. They cautioned against nostalgic visions of crowded factory floors, instead advocating for strategic approaches that focus on innovation, advanced infrastructure, and skilled workforce readiness.

Several respondents also pointed out that reshoring could likely escalate consumer costs, and that a cultural shift is necessary—one that appreciates industrial work and recognizes the evolving nature of manufacturing in the 21st century.

Together, the survey results and written feedback illustrate not only support for Trump’s tariff strategy but also a profound yearning for structural reforms, cultural revitalization, and national resilience.

For many Epoch Times readers, the goal of restoring U.S. manufacturing transcends mere employment or financial factors—it represents a commitment to rebuilding the foundational aspects of American strength, independence, and identity.