| Why Tariffs Are Good | Why Tariffs Can Harm |
| Protects American Jobs & Industries – Shields U.S. producers from unfairly cheap imports. | Raises Consumer Prices – Acts like a hidden tax, making goods more expensive. |
| Encourages Domestic Investment – Gives U.S. companies confidence to expand and modernize. | Triggers Retaliation – Trading partners impose counter-tariffs on U.S. exports. |
| Strengthens National Security – Secures critical industries (defense, semiconductors, medical supplies). | Disrupts Supply Chains – Increases costs for manufacturers that rely on global inputs. |
| Corrects Trade Imbalances – Reduces reliance on imports and foreign debt. | Destroys Downstream Jobs – Higher costs ripple through industries like autos and construction. |
| Promotes Fair Trade – Pressures foreign governments to reduce subsidies and manipulation. | Reduces Innovation – Overprotection can make U.S. industries less efficient over time. |
| Stimulates Higher-Value Production – Encourages companies to innovate and compete on quality. | Slows Economic Growth – Less trade, higher costs, and inefficiencies drag on GDP. |
✅ Summary:
- Supporters see tariffs as protection, leverage, and investment in U.S. strength.
- Critics see them as costly, distortionary, and harmful to long-term growth.
