Not all tariffs are created equal. Some are targeted for foreign policy goals. Other tariffs are to leverage better trade deals. And another reason is to spur domestic manufacturing. I believe all tariffs are an unnecessary interference in commerce between consenting parties, but my opinion is not the prevailing one with politicians today.

The problem is that some tariffs actually hurt domestic manufacturing. There are tariffs that don’t impact domestic manufacturing, but many companies import materials that they use to manufacture end products. Every car on the road today is built with steel and imported parts. Pharmaceutical ingredients to make prescription drugs are frequently sourced from abroad. Although we produce increasing amounts of oil and gas every year, the United States needs imported equipment to refine fuel. There are many domestic manufacturers that import products that they use to make larger products like cars and airplanes.