When people hear the word “tariff,” they often think of politics, economics, and international trade wars—topics that feel far removed from everyday life. But as a Black man committed to empowering my community, I see tariffs for what they really are: policies that directly affect our wallets, our health, and our futures.
What Are Tariffs?
A tariff is a tax that a government places on imported goods, products that are made in another country and then brought into the United States to be sold or used. When a foreign product—say, electronics, clothing, or even food—is brought into the United States, the U.S. government can charge a fee to the company importing it. That fee is the tariff. The idea is to make foreign products more expensive so that American-made goods can better compete in the market (Irwin, 2017). It sounds good in theory, but the reality is more complicated.
Why Do Countries Use Tariffs?
The U.S. has used tariffs since the 1800s, mainly to protect growing industries and raise revenue. Historically, tariffs were used by the U.S. to protect new industries. In the 19th century, the American government heavily taxed imported goods to encourage manufacturing in the U.S. and generate revenue for the federal government (Irwin, 2017). But in recent decades, we’ve shifted toward open trade, reducing tariffs to promote competition and lower prices for businesses and consumers.
Over the past few weeks, tariffs have returned to the spotlight. Tariffs also received much attention during the U.S.-China trade tensions in the 2010s. At that time, the government imposed tariffs on billions of dollars’ worth of Chinese goods, hoping to protect American industries and address unfair trade practices (Bown, 2020). Instead of just affecting big businesses, those policies trickled down to ordinary people.
How Tariffs Impact Everyday People
Here’s where it hits home: tariffs can increase the price of everyday goods. When companies have to pay more to bring products into the country, they often pass that cost onto us—the consumers. This means higher prices for groceries, clothes, toys, electronics, automobiles, medications, and other medical supplies (Amiti et al., 2019).
For working-class individuals and families already stretching every dollar, these price hikes hit hard. We already spend a larger portion of our income on essentials. So, when food prices or utility costs rise due to tariffs, it strains our budgets even further.
That’s not just an economic issue—it’s a health issue too.
Tariffs and Health: The Hidden Link
There’s a direct link between economic stress and health. Higher prices can mean people buy cheaper, less nutritious food, skip medications, or delay doctor visits (Gundersen & Ziliak, 2015). If tariffs lead to more expensive insulin, blood pressure monitors, or even fruits and vegetables, the health of underserved communities, which are disproportionately impacted by chronic illnesses, can decline quickly.
Some studies have shown that trade policies can influence food availability and affordability, which in turn affects diet-related diseases like diabetes and hypertension (Baker et al., 2020). These are already more common in Black and Brown communities due to historical and structural inequalities in access to care and healthy environments.
Empowering Ourselves Through Knowledge
So, what can we do? First, we need to stay informed. Understanding tariffs and trade isn’t just for economists or politicians—it’s for anyone who buys groceries, pays rent, or cares about their family’s health.
Second, we need to advocate for policies that support fair trade without putting the burden on working-class people. That means supporting local businesses, pushing for healthcare access, and demanding transparency about how trade decisions affect our communities.
Lastly, we need to lift each other up with information and tools. Knowledge is power, and when we understand how the economy works, we can make better choices, hold leaders accountable, and build a healthier, more self-sufficient future.
Final Word: Trade Policy Is People Policy
Tariffs aren’t just about politics—they’re about people. They influence the prices we pay for goods and services, the health choices we make, and the stability of our communities. By breaking down these complex systems and connecting the dots, we can empower ourselves and our neighbors to create change that starts from the ground up.
References
Amiti, M., Redding, S. J., & Weinstein, D. E. (2019). The impact of the 2018 trade war on U.S. prices and welfare. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 33(4), 187–210. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.33.4.187
Baker, P., Friel, S., Schram, A., Labonté, R., & Gleeson, D. (2020). Trade and nutrition policy coherence: A framing analysis and Australian case study. Public Health Nutrition, 23(11), 1962–1974. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980019004847
Bown, C. P. (2020). US–China trade war tariffs: An up-to-date chart. Peterson Institute for International Economics. https://www.piie.com
Bown, C. P., & Irwin, D. A. (2019). The GATT’s starting point: Tariff levels circa 1947. World Economy, 42(6), 1696–1724. https://doi.org/10.1111/twec.12785
Gundersen, C., & Ziliak, J. P. (2015). Food insecurity and health outcomes. Health Affairs, 34(11), 1830–1839. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2015.0645
Irwin, D. A. (2017). Clashing over commerce: A history of US trade policy. University of Chicago Press.
#TradeTalk #EconomicHealth #CommunityFocus
