A review of 25 recent U.S. public opinion polls about tariffs reveals different results depending on how the questions are posed. The average favorable opinion is 41% while the highest is 56% and the lowest is 29%.
“When a survey question defines tariffs as taxes on imports, for example, fewer people say they support them.”
“When a survey question calls out specific countries, more [over 50%)] are in favor of tariffs on China than on other countries.” A similar positive opinion results when the question says tariffs are designed to bring back American jobs and ensure fair international trade.
On the other hand, when a survey question asserts tariffs could cause U.S. consumer prices to increase 50%, the favorable opinion on proposed U.S. tariffs drops to about 30%. A similar reduced favorable rating results when the tariff is described as a tax on imports.
“Public opinion may become clearer over time, as policy becomes more settled and people begin to see real-world impact.”
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Zhang & Igelnik, How Americans Feel About Tariffs, N.Y. Times (Mar. 4, 2025).