A new Economist/YouGov poll found that 54% of Americans believe U.S. consumers and businesses will bear the brunt of President Trump’s tariffs, rather than foreign exporters. Only 24% said exporting countries would be most affected.
The tariffs, implemented Tuesday, include 25% taxes on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. While Trump defended the tariffs, saying they are about “protecting the soul of our country”, he admitted they could cause “a little disturbance” in prices.
Economists and supply chain experts warn that price increases are already hitting Americans, particularly for groceries and restaurant food. Joe Camberato, CEO of National Business Capital, said some products will see immediate price hikes, especially perishable goods like avocados and tomatoes from Mexico.
Some restaurant owners have already received notifications of price increases. Gregory León, a chef and restaurant owner in Milwaukee, said his produce supplier warned him that prices will rise across many products, forcing him to pass costs onto customers. “That means less revenue for me and my staff,” León said, worried that diners may cut back on visits.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau criticized the tariffs, citing a Wall Street Journal editorial calling them “dumb”. After meeting with U.S. automakers, Trump agreed to delay tariffs on cars from Canada and Mexico for one month.
The poll also found 68% of Americans believe tariffs increase prices, while only 8% think they have no effect. The survey, conducted March 1-4, had 1,638 participants and a 3.7% margin of error.
Source(s)
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
