What Rising Tariffs Mean for Companies, Workers, and the Future of Trade - John Murphy, SVP & Head of International at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

With tariffs back in the spotlight, what’s their real impact on trade, business, and jobs? Are they a necessary tool for protecting American industry, or do they do more harm than good?

This week, host Matt Kirchner sits down with John Murphy, Senior Vice President, Head of International for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to break down the complex world of tariffs and trade policy. With decades of experience in global trade, John sheds light on the history, purpose, and unintended consequences of tariffs.

From manufacturing to agriculture, tariffs have ripple effects across industries, supply chains, and even the workforce. Who really pays the price when tariffs are imposed? How do they shape innovation and investment in the U.S.? And with shifting political winds in early 2025, is the U.S. moving toward a more protectionist future?

This conversation tackles these pressing questions while exploring what business leaders, policymakers, and even students should consider as they navigate the evolving trade landscape.

Listen to learn:

• How tariffs impact American manufacturing and the six million jobs tied to exports
• The surprising truth about who actually pays tariffs—and how they drive up costs
• When tariffs become a tool for political leverage rather than economic policy
• Why protectionism can stifle innovation instead of promoting domestic industries
• What today’s trade policies mean for the next generation of skilled workers

Resources in this Episode:

Learn more about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: www.uschamber.com

Other resources mentioned in this episode:

• From The Wall Street Journal: "The New Plan for Western Companies Is ABC: ‘Anything But China’"
• Learn more about the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
• U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)
• University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index

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