The U.S. Chamber’s Bold Trade Strategy to Fuel American Growth

While tariffs are seen as protection for U.S. industries, they often harm businesses by raising costs and sparking retaliation from trading partners. This can hurt U.S. exports and consumers. The U.S. Chamber has laid out a clear vision for the way forward—one that’s built on growth, reciprocity, and the strength of American-made goods. Here’s what every business leader and entrepreneur needs to know:

1. Broad Tariffs Can Hurt U.S. Manufacturers and Consumers: When the cost of imported goods goes up due to tariffs, it drives up production costs for American manufacturers who rely on these imports, and raises prices for American consumers at checkout.

2. Retaliation Is Real, and It Hits Home: They respond, and the pain is felt by the very people we aim to protect—American workers, farmers, and exporters. We need to recognize that every time tariffs are raised, we risk losing market access for our top exports.

3. The Global Demand for “Made in America” Goods: To achieve the economic growth we aspire to, we must push for more access to the global marketplace. It’s time to sell more “Made in America” goods and services to the 95% of the world’s consumers who live outside our borders.

4. The Role of Free-Trade Agreements (FTAs): FTAs have been successful in removing tariffs and trade barriers, and boosting U.S. exports. Countries with FTAs make up just 6% of the global population but purchase nearly half of U.S. exports. More FTAs will open more markets and create opportunities for U.S. businesses.

   
   

WY it Matters: The future is ours to build. The road to a stronger U.S. economy doesn’t lie in escalating tariffs or trade wars—it lies in smart, strategic trade agreements that open up global markets to American businesses. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is leading the charge toward a future where American businesses thrive on the global stage. This is the future of trade—one that’s built on fairness, opportunity, and growth for all.