A word cloud shows the most-used words in our reader survey on tariffs.

We asked readers if they are taking any action because of the volatile tariffs underway by the Trump Administration.

About 33% of more than 100 readers said they think tariffs will definitely not affect them professionally, or their business. About 31% said the tariffs will highly affect their businesses and professional life. About 21% said yes, somewhat; and 13% said no, somewhat not.

About 42% of readers said they think tariffs will highly affect their personal life, in terms of spending and saving, with another 31% saying tariffs will somewhat affect them here. About 20% said tariffs will definitely not affect them personally; with 6% saying tariffs will somewhat not affect them, and 2% are undecided on the matter.

About 36% of readers said they are doing nothing to prepare for tariffs; 33% said they are buying goods ahead of time; 24% said they are saving money; and 7% said they are undecided.

Here’s what readers have to say about the tariffs. Responses have been edited for clarity.

Local impacts:

“As a retired woman I am worried about my investments and paying for everyday items on a fixed income.”

“I bought kitchen appliances in December 2024 because I believed 47 when he talked about tariffs.”

“We are saving more, but we are also making some changes in our spending by cutting back, etc. We were going to be doing some work on the house and have decided to put that off for a while.”

“I plan to spend as little as possible for as long as possible. I’ve filed an income tax deferment and will not contribute to the top 1% in any way any longer. It’s second-hand and off brands, eating in, pretend I’m poor, and saving every penny for me.”

“We will definitely restrict our spending now and we are considering putting more money into CDs to protect savings and make a little money.”

“I will buy less of everything and tighten up on extras like going out.”

“My wife is in an obscure corner of the arts, she requires jewelry and fashion findings for folks to wear her creations. On response to tariffs, I checked the box for buying ahead, however that was actually done because of the artist’s enthusiasm for a new design that led to a big investment in a new finding, and it was done last fall. So actually our main reaction now is fear, but trying not to panic. The artist also needs a lot of pharmaceuticals, we have a fair pile of old supplies but were already feeling a consumer pullback since the first of the year. How will the consumers be feeling for our big sales events in the summer?”

“I’m not buying anything but I’m worried about our farmers and our small business community. I bought a few items from small businesses ahead of the tariffs. My house is due for siding and the roof has 1-2 years left. My car is 25 years old but I’m holding off on big purchases during this administration.”

“I’m only buying necessity items. Not traveling and definitely not going to a foreign country.”

“As a Bubble Tea store, I import nearly all of my materials directly from China. This will kill my business, as my customers won’t pay double for the cost of a drink. We’ll be out of business fast.”

“My dad’s small business has already been hit with tens of thousands of dollars in additional expense for this change! And our groceries have already gone up!”

“I have never been scared to spend money the way I am now. Being disabled and close to retirement, I worry my hard earned retirement won’t be enough anymore or even there at all. I fear what the rest of the world will do to the states as we become so isolated from the rest of the world. Scared, that’s my word for 2025.”

Political opinions:

“Tariffs are a terrible idea and will not accomplish the administration’s stated goals, but instead are being used to treat other countries and business leaders like a mob boss for favors and to short the market so his friends get richer when he cancels them.”

“Foolish, not thought through, showing the world that you can’t trust America anymore, and brought on by a felon/criminal who wants to be a dictator.”

“I believe that trade between countries should be even. Other countries who want Americans to purchase their products need to be fair, and not charge extraordinary charges.”

“I think Trump is foolish to implement tariffs since he apparently has not learned history.”

“Tariffs are necessary action to level the costs of trade with other nations. This should have been done years ago.”

“My honest opinion would be filled with expletives, so I’ll just say the tariffs are stupid.”

“Tariffs are a national sales tax.”

“I hope we will move back to America made good quality goods, not cheaply made with bad quality in China. Sometimes it make sense to buy more expensive, which will serve a long time, than to pay less and change it in shorter period of time. Plus it will be good for environment, with less toxic wastes. For example, cheap car batteries now last less than three years, but the more expensive ones have a 10-year guarantee. Buying three or four batteries for 10 years will cost much more than one 10-year battery—and produce three times more hazardous waste.”

“Other companies have taken advantage of the U.S. for years; it’s time to level the field.”

“Costs will always be passed down onto the consumers, and put small businesses out if business, but big corporations will be just fine, and when they see people have no choice but to spend the money on their products, prices will remain high, even after tariffs are lifted.”

“It’s about time for tariffs.”

“Tariffs only hurt the middle and low income people. It also hurts small businesses.”

“Tariffs are a bargaining tool. Americans have been ripped off for too long.”

“At this point the switching back and forth is giving me whiplash.”

“Is this part of the New World Order?”

“The way they are being presented Just seems like a way to make negotiations happen that should have been done many years ago.”

“Having managed importing for the company I retired from, I know tariffs are paid by the importer. We all will pay as these are passed on. Building U.S. infrastructure to build things here will take years, probably decades. Trump is uninformed.”

“I’m still waiting to see the real impacts of the tariffs.”

“These tariffs are a self-inflicted wound: our economy was very strong before Jan. 20, 2025. These ridiculous tariffs are not based on serious economic policy, and I feel like the media needs to be better about pointing this out. The sudden pullback, while welcome, means economic whiplash and honestly looks like the administration manipulating the stock market for personal gain with insider trading.

“The tariffs are an excellent move.”

“I believe the idea was to bring more industries back to American soil. I also think it was to let other nations know they can no longer take advantage of U.S. by placing higher tariffs on us than they were paying to us.”

“The policies are arbitrary, flawed and seem to be more about being used as an extortion tool for the enrichment of Trump personally.”

“I thing long-term it will be better for our country.”

“Tariffs are a good short-term wake up call to the world.”

“They are ridiculous—and is only going to hurt the economy—of the entire world! We have a global economy.”

“We can’t continually rely on other countries for certain things.”

“I think someone had to come up with a plan to reel in the deficit. The can has been kicked down the road for a long time now.”

“Grateful that these other countries are going to suffer for not respecting us and our buying power.”

“It’s too early in the game to predict the outcome.”

“Tariffs are long overdue.”

“We learned about tariffs in grade school. Why would anyone vote for a candidate that campaigned on tariffs, let alone one who is a liar and convicted felon?”

“Tariffs will be passed onto consumers.”

“It’s a really bad idea making so many enemies in the world.”

“Our country has foolishly dug ourselves into an economic hole through irresponsible, naive policies for decades. The solution requires deep surgery with a costly recovery period. But we must pay the price to recovery from our own stupidity. If we take any other action, or inaction, other than costly measures such as those of President Trump, the ultimate cost will be much higher.”

“This is a sage move by the United States. The world has ripped us off for 50 years plus. It is past time to make these tariffs reciprocal.”

“This hurts the lower incomes the most. Essential goods are a necessity, and barely affordable as it is!”

“Let bonafide economists set economic policy, not political Neanderthals.”

“The tariffs are folly. They are not based on sound economic theory. They will not generate ‘billions.’ The U.S. has not been taken advantage of because of trade deficits and upending the world economic order is a foolhardy in the extreme.”

“Tariffs are such an unnecessary self-inflicted injury. Pissing off all of our friends is not the way to be great.”

“I stand with Trump on the tariffs!”

“It is just plain stupid to change the tariffs that are in place.”

“The tariffs will work if given time.”

“The tariffs are a questionable strategy normally, but they are being developed and implemented in a patently moronic manner.”

“Although I am not impacted either way, I strongly support these new tariffs! I feel it is important to make sure that other countries do not take advantage of the U.S. any longer.”

“Buy American-made!”

“International businesses will find replacement sources for American parts and we will lose those markets. No one is going to voluntarily bring manufacturing back unless healthcare costs are dramatically reduced.”

“I have very negative thoughts on the upcoming tariffs.”

“Bring it on. Trust the process. There will be a moment when we say ‘told you so.’”