Tariffs

Tariffs are taxes placed on imported goods. Much of the cost is often passed on to American businesses and families through higher prices.
Congress has the sole authority to levy tariffs but has willingly ceded that authority to President Trump.
The U.S. recently imposed 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian goods, prompting Canada to retaliate with tariffs of 15% to 50% on a range of American goods.

According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Virginia has paid an estimated $6.2 billion in tariffs, or $1,797 per household through June 2026.
As of September 2026, the average household in Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District has paid an additional $3,500 for goods and services under President Trump because of inflationary policies, including tariffs.
Hampton Roads is home to the Port of Virginia and thousands of jobs connected to shipping, trucking, warehousing, and logistics. Changes in trade can mean fewer shipments and greater uncertainty for workers and businesses. In 2023, Virginia's goods exports supported 73,000 jobs across the Commonwealth.

Canada is Virginia’s largest export market. Virginia exports a wide range of products to Canada, including tractors, plastics, paper, aluminum, and heating and cooling equipment. Tariffs make Virginia products more expensive to sell in Canada, resulting in lost sales for Virginia farmers and businesses.

Virginia farmers are particularly at risk, as they face higher equipment and supply costs while facing shrinking export markets.
Tariffs force families to pay more for groceries and other everyday essentials by increasing the costs businesses often have to pass on to consumers.