| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 2025 Contact: [email protected] |
| With President Trump set to announce another round of tariffs this afternoon, North Carolina businesses, farmers, and consumers are bracing for immediate economic disruptions. With the state’s economy deeply connected to international trade, industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and construction are set to experience rising costs and supply chain instability. Tariffs will also impact companies ability to invest and grow in North Carolina. New polling from Tariffs Cost Us and the nonpartisan pollster Morning Consult found: Four-in-five NC voters (71%) expect the cost of goods they purchase to increase because of tariffs, including two-in-three Republicans (66%) and three-in-four Independents (72%). Three-in-four North Carolina voters (70%) say they are trying to spend less money because of tariffs. A majority (54%) of NC voters believe that American consumers will be harmed the most by tariffs and/or a resulting trade war. And, a majority of Republicans (60%) believe American consumers, businesses, and/or farmers will be hurt the most. The survey was fielded March 22-27, 2025. Additional survey results and crosstabs on the views of North Carolina voters on tariffs will be released in the coming days. Tariff Impact on North Carolina: By the Numbers North Carolina’s economy relies heavily on trade, with Canada ranking as the state’s largest export market, followed by China and Mexico. Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, along with levies on Chinese and European Union goods, are expected to have widespread economic consequences. Manufacturing: North Carolina is home to more than 470,000 manufacturing jobs, many of which depend on imported materials. The new tariffs will increase costs for auto manufacturers, aerospace companies, and furniture makers, leading to job losses and higher prices for consumers. Agriculture: The state’s $111 billion agriculture industry will take a hit as tariffs disrupt trade relationships. Pork and poultry farmers, who rely on exports to Canada and Mexico, face potential revenue losses, while tariffs on fertilizers and equipment will increase operational costs. Construction & Housing: Tariffs on lumber, steel, and aluminum will raise building costs, making homes more expensive at a time when housing affordability is already a pressing issue. Experts estimate a nearly 5% increase in construction costs across North Carolina. What Local News is Saying Recent headlines across North Carolina highlight the growing concern over the new tariffs: “NC home builders, lumber suppliers brace for impact of tariffs on Canada, Mexico” CBS 17 “Home builders and suppliers in North Carolina are less than thrilled with Trump administration’s new 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico.” “Tariffs could affect NC’s major industries, threaten jobs” The News & Observer “But tariffs meant to bolster U.S. industries against foreign competition may also have a negative effect on employment, said Andrew Greenland, an economist at Elon University.” “Trump’s tariff threats create uncertainty for North Carolina businesses and local governments” WUNC “President Trump’s threats to slap duties on imports are creating ugly uncertainty for governments and businesses in North Carolina.” “Tariffs would hit NC’s economy hard” Carolina Journal “Tariffs would result in steep price hikes across nearly every sector, from food and clothing to cars and appliances.” ### Tariffs Cost US is a new campaign of Trade Connects Us, a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization dedicated to providing the public with reliable, comprehensive information about global trade and tariffs, and their impact on both businesses and consumers. |
