Why Tariffs Are Necessary

Why Tariffs Are Necessary

Let us be clear: at 4B America, we are strongly opposed to many of Donald Trump’s misogynistic policies and behavior. However, when it comes to one particular area—his stance on tariffs, particularly with China—we find some common ground, though our reasoning may differ from his.

Many Americans would never tolerate slave labor or exploitation of workers paid less than minimum wage within the United States, so why do so many turn a blind eye when it comes from other countries, like China? China does not have the same labor protections or minimum wage standards that exist in the United States. It’s a nation with an extreme work culture—long hours, grueling conditions, and shockingly low wages. Products like iPhones, for example, are often made under conditions that many would consider abusive or even tantamount to slave labor. And yet, we continue to buy these products, fully aware of the human cost.

Economists have long speculated that imposing a 60% tariff on Chinese imports could have a significant impact on China’s economic growth, restricting their growth so much that their yearly growth becomes halved. This restriction on growth may be desperately needed, because a large part of China’s economic “success” is built on their system of cheap labor. This exploitation is not just about low wages, it is also about control over labor—especially women. Patriarchal systems around the world thrive on cheap, abundant labor, which is why many governments, including China’s, push for high birth rates. They need a continual supply of cheap labor to keep their economic engine running. However, growing resistance to this system—reflected in movements like “lying flat,” where young people in China refuse to participate in the oppressive work culture—is showing that the status quo is no longer sustainable.

This is where tariffs could play a crucial role. By imposing tariffs, we can disrupt the economic system that keeps these exploitative labor practices alive. If China’s economy slows down because the costs of its exports increase, it may be forced to rethink its reliance on slave labor, as the country faces pressure to reevaluate its methods of producing cheap goods for export. If their economic model were to collapse or stagnate due to the pressures of tariffs, the entire system of patriarchal oppression could be forced to change.

Countries that thrive on slave labor often maintain oppressive gender roles, where women are expected to bear children to fuel the economy. China, for example, fears the loss of this cheap labor and the younger generations’ rejection of their exploitative system. As many young people protest by “lying flat,” refusing to conform to the brutal work culture, it demonstrates how women’s decisions about whether or not to have children could change the system in ways that no protest or political movement ever could. Women opting out of reproduction in response to such conditions may be one of the most powerful forces for change, not just within China, but globally.

Tariffs are a tool that we should not shy away from using more often, especially when it comes to human rights abuses. Why do we—especially liberals who often speak out against slave labor in the United States—reject tariffs when they are used as a means to combat such exploitation in other countries? Just because Donald Trump advocates for tariffs does not mean they are inherently bad. Take countries like Saudi Arabia, for example, which is notorious for its misogynistic and oppressive policies. There is absolutely no reason why we should maintain alliances with such countries or continue trading with them under conditions that further perpetuate their harmful practices. In cases like these, a 100-200% tariff could send a clear message that we will not tolerate the abuse of women and workers anywhere. If oil doubles in price, so be it, let’s send a message that we won’t tolerate the systematic abuse of women for cheap products.

While Trump may have different reasons for wanting to bring manufacturing back to the United States than we do, we agree that it is critical for more jobs to return to our country, where there are greater protections for workers. Instead of relying on foreign labor in countries with fewer protections, we should focus on building up our own infrastructure and manufacturing base. Yes, the United States is far from perfect in its treatment of women and workers, but we still have far better wages, protections, and labor laws than many other countries that rely on slave labor. The gap is simply too large, and we must close it.

Buying locally produced goods not only supports better wages and labor protections, but it also benefits the environment. The carbon footprint of shipping products halfway around the world is another issue that should not be ignored. If we are serious about freeing women in China, in the United States, and around the world, we must show that we no longer accept the exploitation of workers anywhere. By using tariffs strategically, we can send a message that we are committed to fair labor practices and the rights of workers—especially women—globally.

The 4B Movement believes in the power of women to shape the world and our futures. It’s time for us to stand up and say no to the exploitation of our sisters, whether in China, Saudi Arabia, or anywhere else. Through tariffs and a commitment to fair labor, we can help end the cycle of oppression and build a world where women and workers everywhere are truly free. ♀