Trump’s Tariffs: A Crucial Element in the Revival of the US Economy, According to Epoch Readers

Tariffs have become a key component of President Donald Trump’s strategy for revitalizing the U.S. economy. A recent poll from Epoch Times indicates considerable backing for this strategy among its readers. Respondents see tariffs as a vital mechanism for enhancing domestic manufacturing and improving the country’s global economic standing, although worries about price hikes, supply chain issues, and trade conflicts were also expressed.

An online survey involving 19,291 Epoch Times readers shows a significant majority support the idea that tariffs can aid domestic manufacturing, strengthen America’s global economic position, and protect national interests, with a notable emphasis on the strategic role of tariffs concerning China.

Trump, who infamously referred to himself as “Tariff Man,” has asserted tariffs as a means to defend local industries from unfair competition, stimulate the return of manufacturing jobs, and tackle America’s nearly $1 trillion trade deficit with the rest of the world.

Throughout his initial term, Trump often utilized tariffs to renegotiate what he deemed unfavorable trade agreements. In his 2024 presidential campaign, he went further in advocating tariffs, suggesting an ambitious “all tariff policy” that would substitute income tax with tariff revenues.

Upon securing re-election for a second term, Trump pushed for the establishment of the External Revenue Service (ERS), a new agency aimed at tariff collection, and promptly implemented tariffs of 10 percent on Chinese imports and 25 percent on goods from Canada and Mexico—though he paused the latter for the neighboring countries for 30 days following concessions on border security and crime enforcement.

Readers of The Epoch Times widely regard Trump’s tariff policies as crucial for U.S. economic robustness and national security.

Strong Support for Tariffs, Especially Targeting China

The poll underscores a strong agreement on the strategic importance of tariffs, particularly concerning China.

Sixty-five percent of participants strongly believe that tariffs on China should be a priority for the Trump administration, referencing its extensive trade surplus with the U.S. and its role as a major source of the fentanyl crisis affecting U.S. communities. An additional 25 percent concur, while only 10 percent voiced disagreement. This overwhelming agreement illustrates public confidence in tariffs as a strategic mechanism to counter China’s economic sway and what many have termed a form of unconventional warfare against the United States.

In addition to focusing on China, tariffs are broadly regarded as a means to rejuvenate American industry. Sixty-one percent of responders strongly believe that tariffs foster domestic manufacturing, with another 29 percent agreeing. Furthermore, 60 percent strongly contend—and another 26 percent concur—that tariffs will provide long-term advantages to the U.S. economy.

Moreover, 84 percent perceive tariffs as reinforcing America’s global economic standing, with only 16 percent opposing this perspective.

These findings align closely with Trump’s outlook on tariffs, which he has promoted as a method for achieving economic independence, correcting trade discrepancies, and enhancing national security.

The U.S. trade deficit with the world reached a staggering $918 billion in 2024, with Trump frequently highlighting tariffs as an efficient strategy to diminish this trade gap and restore fiscal stability.

Tariffs as a Negotiation Tool

Another important takeaway from the survey is the perception of tariffs as a bargaining mechanism.

Forty-three percent of respondents strongly agree that Trump’s tariff threats are primarily aimed at securing better trade agreements or obtaining other policy concessions rather than for straightforward implementation, with an additional 35 percent in agreement. This may illustrate confidence in Trump’s approach of employing tariffs to negotiate favorable outcomes with trade partners.

Supporters also showed readiness for escalation should existing tariffs not achieve their goals. Thirty-four percent strongly support, and 32 percent agree, that the U.S. should impose further tariffs if initial measures do not meet expected results.

Furthermore, a notable 64 percent of participants supported postponing new tariffs on Canada and Mexico indefinitely if those countries take concrete measures to tackle the fentanyl crisis, with 22 percent opposing and 14 percent strongly disagreeing.

Recently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that Trump was utilizing various strategies with distinct tariffs. He noted that the tariff threats against Canada and Mexico were aimed at motivating those nations to take action on non-trade issues such as immigration.

Ultimately, Bessent detailed that Trump’s tariffs aim to rekindle manufacturing across key U.S. industries. As production returns, the tax revenues from corporate activities would enable a decrease in tariffs.

“Tariffs are a means to an end, and I believe that end is restoring the manufacturing base to the U.S.,” Bessent stated in a Feb. 5 interview with Fox Business. “Ideally, tariffs would act like a shrinking ice cube. You would impose tariffs on a nation, and as production returns to the U.S., income tax—and corporate revenues—would rise, leading to a decrease in tariff revenue.”

Concerns About Price Increases, Trade Disruptions

While there’s robust support for tariffs, the poll uncovers concerns regarding their possible side effects.

Sixty-two percent concurred or strongly concurred that tariffs on auto parts would drive up car prices, while 56 percent indicated that tariffs would raise the price of consumer goods overall. Additionally, nearly 50 percent of respondents believe that price increases due to tariffs will impact their buying habits.

Participants also pointed out broader economic risks. Fifty-seven percent agreed or strongly agreed that industries reliant on imports and exports might face supply chain disruptions and heightened costs. Similarly, 56 percent expressed concerns that China’s retaliatory tariffs could adversely affect U.S. exports to China.

Furthermore, skepticism persists regarding the potential international ramifications. For instance, 68 percent either disagreed or strongly disagreed that tariffs would lead to trade wars, and 66 percent don’t believe tariffs would harm international relationships. This indicates that while participants acknowledge potential challenges, they remain optimistic about the strategic advantages.

Trump has acknowledged that while there could be short-term challenges linked to tariffs, their long-term benefits would outweigh these issues.

Trade Agreements, Retaliatory Tariffs, and Industry Subsidies

The poll also highlighted public sentiment on whether tariffs should take precedence over trade agreements, along with views on retaliatory tariffs and potential subsidies for affected sectors.