Retaliatory tariffs and responses could ultimately increase the costs of consumer goods that are foreign imports. Given the global economy, this affects many consumer products and may strain household budgets. Many low-income households rely on goods that are produced cheaply abroad in order to make household finances work, so impacts will be greater on low-income households than higher-income ones. Those on the edge of economic stability may find themselves less stable as budgets become stretched, affecting their social determinants of health.
Executive Office of the President - White House Office
A written policy statement issued by a government agency or executive official that provides guidance, clarification, or direction on implementing laws or policies. Memos do not have the force of law but can influence policy interpretation and enforcement.
Who It Impacts: Federal agencies, policymakers, and sometimes regulated industries. Memos can shape how agencies enforce laws, impacting businesses, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.
Who Is Not Impacted: Memos do not create binding legal requirements for the general public, though they can influence enforcement priorities that indirectly affect individuals and organizations.
Date Enacted
February 21, 2025
Last Updated
December 3, 2025
Policy Type
Housing
Transportation
Food & Nutrition
Cash or Economic Assistance
Social Safety Net
Children and Families
Summary
This memo directs federal agencies to impose tariffs or other responsive actions in response to foreign government’s taxes or regulatory structures that are viewed as “discriminatory, disproportionate.” Factors that would be included in determining the response include taxes discriminating against US companies, regulations inhibiting the growth of US companies, actions that could jeopardize US companies’ intellectual property, or any actions that decrease US company global competitiveness.
Impact Analysis
Legal Challenges
N/A
Take Institutional Action
- Support food banks, food pantries, free stores, and other initiatives designed to ensure low-income households have basic necessities. This may be financial support, in-kind donations, volunteering or raising awareness.
- Distribute information to low-income communities on local food banks, food pantries, free stores, and other places to get basic needs met.
- Support organizations, such as UpTogether, that provide direct cash assistance which may be able to alleviate financial strain on low-income households.
Associated or Derivative Policies
- Executive Order: Modifying the Scope of the Reciprocal Tariff with Respect to Certain Agricultural Products
- EO 14358: Modifying Reciprocal Tariff Rates Consistent with the Economic and Trade Arrangment between the United States and the People's Republic of China
- EO 14357: Modifying Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People's Republic of China
- EO 14346: Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Secuirity Agreements
- EO 14334: Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates to Reflect Ongoing Discussions with the People's Republic of China
Policy Prior to 2025
N/A
Additional Resources
N/A
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