There’s a meme making the rounds that says, “If tariffs don’t work, then why does nearly every other country on earth use them?” It’s got that smug, sarcastic vibe, but buried in the snark is actually a worthwhile question—so let’s take it seriously for a second.

So… do tariffs work? The short answer? Sometimes. But the longer answer is: it all depends—on how they’re used, why they’re used, and how far the government decides to take them.

Tariffs are a tool, plain and simple. Like a hammer, they can build something useful when used properly, or they can leave a pretty nasty dent in your thumb if you’re swinging blindly. They’re not inherently good or bad—it’s all in the execution.

The meme gets one thing right: nearly every country does use tariffs. That’s because they serve several legitimate purposes:

• To protect domestic industries from unfair foreign competition.
• To raise revenue (though less common today, it used to be a major funding source for governments).
• To respond to trade abuses like currency manipulation, forced technology transfers, or illegal dumping of cheap goods.

In these cases, tariffs can level the playing field. They can give homegrown businesses the breathing room they need to compete. If China’s flooding the market with underpriced steel, for example, a targeted tariff can help U.S. steelmakers survive without slashing wages or laying off workers.

But here’s where things can go sideways.

Tariffs start becoming a problem when they’re used too broadly, too recklessly, or for political showmanship rather than sound policy.

When a country starts slapping tariffs on everything without a clear goal or exit strategy, it usually backfires. Other nations retaliate with tariffs of their own. Export markets dry up. Supply chains get disrupted. Prices on everyday goods go up. And who ends up paying for it? Regular folks at the checkout counter.

We’ve seen this movie before. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930 is one of the most infamous examples. Passed with the intent to protect American jobs during a downturn, it ended up triggering a global trade war that made the Great Depression worse. It was a textbook case of good intentions gone horribly wrong.

What do critics really mean when they say “tariffs don’t work”?

They’re not saying tariffs never work. They’re saying tariffs used carelessly or politically can do more harm than good. In a complex, global economy, trade is a delicate balance. You can’t just raise tariffs across the board and expect the world to take it lying down. That’s not strength—it’s short-sighted.

I’m all for protecting American industry and reducing our dependence on hostile nations. That just makes sense. But protectionism without a plan is like building a wall with no foundation—it might stand for a minute, but it won’t last.

Tariffs can be a smart, targeted tool for defending American jobs and holding bad actors accountable. But they need to be part of a broader strategy—one that includes tax reform, fair trade agreements, energy independence, and rebuilding domestic manufacturing. Otherwise, we’re just playing economic whack-a-mole while our adversaries outmaneuver us.

And here’s the deeper issue…

Economic policy, like everything else, ought to reflect moral clarity. Proverbs 20:10 says, “Divers weights, and divers measures, both of them are alike abomination to the Lord.” That’s a warning against rigged systems and unjust dealings. Whether it’s foreign governments manipulating trade or our own leaders using economic tools for political theater, God calls us to something better—righteousness, fairness, and wisdom.

So yes, tariffs can work—but only when they’re guided by wisdom, not emotion. They can defend, protect, and pressure when needed—but they’re not a magic wand. Used poorly, they hurt the very people they’re meant to help. Used wisely, they can be part of a strong and principled economic approach.

Bottom line? It’s not about being “pro” or “anti” tariff. It’s about being smart.