Tariffs and Trade Policy in 2028
The use of tariffs as a tool of economic and foreign policy, and their effects on American consumers and businesses.
Tariffs - taxes on imported goods - became a central tool of American economic policy in a way not seen in decades. Initially used as leverage in trade negotiations, they evolved into a broader industrial policy debate about whether and how much to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
Supporters argue that tariffs protect American manufacturing jobs, reduce dependence on potentially adversarial suppliers, and can be used as leverage in negotiations. Critics argue they raise prices for consumers and businesses, invite retaliation against American exports, and ultimately harm the broader economy.
The debate over tariffs intersects with debates about inflation, manufacturing, China policy, and the proper goals of trade agreements.
Why it matters in 2028
Tariff policy became one of the most economically significant and controversial issues of the mid-2020s, affecting prices across the economy. The 2028 race will force candidates to take clear positions on whether tariffs are a useful tool, against whom they should be applied, and what the goal of trade policy should be.
How each party frames tariffs and trade policy
A neutral summary of each party's general governing approach. Individual 2028 candidates will differ - no nominee has been chosen yet.
Democratic approach
Democrats are divided on tariffs. Some support targeted tariffs to protect specific industries or as leverage in trade negotiations, while opposing broad consumer-price-raising tariffs. Many in the party favor managed trade agreements that include labor and environmental standards. Progressive members tend to be skeptical of free-trade frameworks that they argue have hurt American workers, while others emphasize the consumer cost of high tariffs.
Republican approach
Many Republicans have embraced tariffs more broadly as a tool of economic nationalism, arguing that they protect domestic industries, generate revenue, and give the U.S. leverage in negotiations with trading partners. The party's position has shifted considerably from its traditional free-trade orientation. There remains a free-trade wing of the party that argues tariffs are ultimately a tax on American businesses and consumers.
What voters ask about tariffs and trade policy
- Would candidates keep, raise, or lower tariffs on imported goods?
- Do tariffs help or hurt American workers and consumers?
- What should the goal of U.S. trade policy be?
- How would candidates use tariffs in negotiations with China and other countries?
- Which industries or products should be protected from foreign competition?
Other 2028 issues
How 2028 candidates plan to manage economic growth, consumer prices, and the cost of living.
Border enforcement, legal immigration pathways, and the future of undocumented immigrants already in the U.S.
Federal and state abortion policy after the Supreme Court returned the issue to state legislatures in 2022.
Health insurance coverage, drug prices, and the long-running debate over the structure of the American health system.
Federal tax policy, including the expiring provisions of the 2017 tax law and disputes over who pays what.
Employment levels, minimum wage, union rights, and the future of work in an era of automation and AI.