The tariffed dreams III: Manufacturing is back, but not if it costs more

Tariffs may be pitched as a way to bring manufacturing jobs back to America, but support for them quickly unravels when reality kicks in.

According to a 2024 survey by the Cato Institute, while 62 percent of Americans initially support a new tariff, that support plummets when they learn it would raise the price of a pair of blue jeans by just $10. In fact, 66 percent oppose paying even that much more, even if the tariff is meant to support U.S. manufacturing.

Three-fourths of Americans are concerned about tariffs raising everyday prices. So while the slogan may be "Made in America," the fine print says, "Not if I have to pay for it."

This is the last episode of CGTN's AI-generated GIF series exploring the unintended consequences of U.S. industrial revival efforts – from Trump-era tariffs to supply chain illusions.