Tariffs May Change How You Shop
Tariffs were one of the main reasons for the American Revolution against the British monarchy. Think Boston Harbor Tea Party. King George had limited what products were sent to the colonies, their cost, and what could be exported. He was fearful of the American Colonies wanting independence, so he did what all autocrats do: he oppressed more. Tariffs were his favorite form of oppression.
The Founders rightfully and fairly felt that one person’s ability to charge tariffs would cause chaos and disruption. They strongly agreed that the President may propose, but Congress shall dispose, change, or accept tariffs. There is no ambiguity in the reading of our Constitution:
Article I, Section 8, Clause 1. General Welfare
The Congress shall have the Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 3. Commerce
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes.
The Commerce Clause is interpreted as providing broad power to regulate international trade, which includes levying tariffs. In contrast to the constitutional language, the President is unilaterally imposing tariffs, just like the English tea at Boston Harbor in the 1700s. Wholesale and retail vendors collect goods at U. S. ports after documenting, processing, and paying tariffs. The retail price of goods reflects all or part of the cost of tariffs, depending on how much cost, if any, the vendor assumes. And of course, the retail price is paid by the American consumer.
Why is the President so aggressive about tariffs? The White House contends that he declared “a national emergency to rebuild the economy and restore national and economic security (1).” After the postponement and revision of tariffs since this April declaration, as well as lawsuits challenging the administration’s reliance on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a federal appeals court has allowed certain tariffs until a final court determination – likely by the U. S. Supreme Court – is made. One lawsuit requesting the Supreme Court to fast-track a determination before an appeals court ruling will be considered on September 29 (2).
Trump’s tariffs are considered a regressive tax on Americans because they disproportionately burden lower-income households as a share of income. The Yale Budget Lab estimates the price level from new tariffs will rise 1.8 percent in the short run, equal to an average household income loss of $2,400 in 2025, and consumers face an average effective tariff rate of 18.6 percent, the highest since 1933 (3).
We must realize this will seriously impact Tuolumne County residents, as our big box and small business retail stores sell a considerable percentage of imported items such as building materials, cell phones, baby supplies, and toys.
Take Action
- Contact Engage Tuolumne to share your personal story of how recent price increases are affecting your family.
- Contact members of Congress to oppose tariffs and advocate for trade policies that reduce consumer costs and protect industries harmed by tariffs.
- Write a letter to the editor to explain how tariffs affect prices, jobs, and local industries.
- Vote. Trade policy is driven by who is in office. Supporting candidates with different approaches to trade is the most direct way to shift policy.
- Shop smart. Compare prices, look for nontariffed alternatives, or buy used/refurbished products to avoid tariff markups.
- “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency to Increase our Competitive Edge, Protect our Sovereignty, and Strengthen our National and Economic Security,” The White House, April 2, 2025.
- Amy Howe, “The Supreme Court and Trump’s tariffs: an explainer,” SCOTUSblog, August 25, 2025.
3. “State of U.S. Tariffs: August 7, 2025,” Yale Budget Lab, August 7, 2025.