Should Christians support tariffs to protect domestic jobs?
Introduction
Tariffs are a tool of economic protectionism—policies designed to shield a domestic industry from foreign competition. While the goal of preserving local jobs appeals to a Christian's desire to see neighbors employed, the reality of tariffs is complex, often generating unintended consequences that affect others, including the poor and global workers.
The Christian perspective must move beyond simple national self-interest and consider the principles of justice and global love commanded in Scripture.
Main: Three Biblical Principles for Evaluating Tariffs
A Christian evaluating a tariff policy must weigh the intended local benefit against the actual global and economic impact using these three biblical mandates.
1. The Principle of Justice and Fairness
Justice demands that economic policies be fair and not unjustly disadvantage one group to the benefit of another.
The Burden on Consumers: Tariffs are ultimately paid by the domestic consumer, often resulting in higher prices for essential goods. This disproportionately harms the poor and low-income families, forcing them to spend a greater percentage of their income on necessities. A policy that raises prices for the poor to subsidize a domestic industry must be viewed critically through the lens of justice.
Honoring Free Exchange: While trade should be fair, the Bible generally celebrates exchange and market activity. The imposition of tariffs can be seen as limiting the freedom of local buyers and international sellers, potentially hindering mutually beneficial trade.
2. The Mandate to Care for the Neighbor (Global Stewardship)
The Christian call to love and care for the neighbor extends beyond national borders.
Global Responsibility: The Gospel transcends nation-states. When tariffs lead to retaliation by other nations, they can harm industries and jobs in those countries, potentially destabilizing economies and increasing poverty among global neighbors. As stewards of God's earth, Christians should consider the well-being of the whole human family.
The Example of Self-Denial: The Christian life is marked by self-denial for the sake of others (Matthew 16:24). This principle suggests that we should be cautious of economic policies built solely on national self-interest, rather than on a holistic view of human flourishing.
3. The Stewardship of Labor and Resources
The desire to protect domestic jobs is a legitimate stewardship concern—we want to ensure our neighbors can provide for their families.
Dignity of Work: The Christian highly values work as a means of providing dignity (2 Thessalonians 3:10) and fulfilling the creation mandate. Protecting opportunities for local work is a godly goal.
The Best Solution: However, Christians should seek the most effective and sustainable economic solutions. If a tariff merely delays necessary economic adjustments or creates an unsustainable dependence on government intervention, it may not be the wisest long-term stewardship. Christians should look for policies that encourage innovation, competitiveness, and worker retraining alongside responsible trade.
Conclusion
Should Christians support tariffs? A Christian should not support tariffs simply for the sake of "protectionism," but must evaluate them based on justice, impact on the poor, and global compassion.
Support for any economic policy, including tariffs, must be rooted in wisdom and a deep commitment to the command: "Seek justice, correct oppression" (Isaiah 1:17). If a tariff is proven to be the most ethical way to support vulnerable workers without severely hurting the poor or global stability, it may be justifiable. If it is merely a tool of self-interest that creates broader economic hardship, it should be opposed.
