Hamer: Tariffs hit Americans where it hurts most: their wallets

Markets, manufacturers, and consumers are understandably concerned about U.S. tariff policy. Tariffs disrupt supply chains, erode investor confidence, and hit Americans where it hurts most: their wallets—a major concern when we all want lower inflation.

Make no mistake: tariffs are taxes, and uncertainty is bad for business—particularly for small businesses that have less ability to absorb higher costs and adjust operations. Now is the time to pursue a smarter path. Ideally, this moment could spark a global reset, where other countries roll back tariff and non-tariff barriers, unlocking new opportunities for U.S. exporters—and their goods and services—to reach the 95% of the world’s population living beyond our borders.

We must protect and strengthen the most successful trade agreement in our nation’s history—the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)—rather than undermine it. This agreement is vital to bolstering our national and economic security by fostering collaboration with our North American partners, positioning us as the world’s most prosperous and formidable trading bloc. This is especially critical as we aim to counter China and the rest of the world while encouraging more manufacturing to reshore in North America.

America needs a tariff policy that’s fair, clear, and forward-looking—one that boosts exports, attracts investment, and gives consumers the freedom to choose goods at affordable prices. Trade should be about reciprocity, not retaliation.

If we get this right, we’re not just averting a crisis—we’re laying the foundation for a new American Golden Age.

The Administration has pledged to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, continue historic deregulation, unleash American energy dominance, lead in artificial intelligence (AI), and tackle the national debt with the efforts of DOGE. Getting tariff policy right is equally crucial—let’s not miss this opportunity.

Editor’s Note: The above op-ed was penned by Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business, in response to President Trump’s imposition of across-the-board tariffs on imported goods.

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