Americans of all Races Support International Trade

Nearly four years after the COVID-19 pandemic plunged the United States into the Great Lockdown, the deepest economic recession experienced since the end of World War II, Americans remain committed to bolstering the national economy. New and renewed anxieties about international supply chains are at the forefront of the ongoing economic renovation and renounce the current globalizing framework. Additionally, tensions between the United States and its primary trade partners—namely, China—are ushering in a new climate of industrial policy that promotes domestic production over free trade. Despite the developing emphasis on protectionist economics, the majority of Americans across all racial groups support international trade and believe it benefits consumers and the overall economy. At the same time, they believe there should be some restrictions on international trade to protect domestic workers and industries.

Values of International Trade

Data from the 2023 Chicago Council Survey, fielded September 7-18, 2023, show majorities across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States support international trade. While most Americans think international trade is beneficial, Hispanic and Asian Americans generally do so at higher levels than other racial and ethnic groups.

The majority of Americans think international trade is good for consumers, with a strong consensus across different racial and ethnic groups.

When it comes to creating jobs, Asian Americans continue to say international trade is good at the highest level (76%), while White Americans are the least likely to say it is good for employment (57%).  

While the perceived value of trade varies across racial groups when considering employment and consumer status, support is more consistent when qualifying international trade as good for the US economy.

Majorities of Americans from different racial and ethnic backgrounds contend that international trade is good for the economy. Asian Americans are the most likely to say it is good for the economy, while Native Americans are the least likely. White, Hispanic, and Black Americans share more moderate levels of support. The smaller margins of variation suggest the benefits of international trade for the US economy are less contentious.

Similarly, Americans are very confident in the benefits of international trade on personal living standards. White (79%), Black (80%), and Hispanic (83%) Americans continue to report similar levels of confidence, with all three groups confident that trade improves their individual standard of living. Asian Americans respond only slightly more affirmatively (87%).

Import of Goods

When asked, “Should US trade policy have restrictions on imported foreign goods to protect American jobs, or have no restrictions to enable American consumers to have the most choices and the lowest prices?” more than half of respondents from every racial group endorse restrictive measures.

White Americans are most strongly in favor (72%) while Asian Americans are least (55%), consistent with other data showing strong Asian American support for free trade.

Moreover, the status and public perception of states’ geopolitical relationships appear to affect support for trade between specific parties. Across racial groups, up to 88 percent (Asian Americans) of Americans agree that the United States should buy semiconductor chips from allies and friendly partner countries, including Germany or Taiwan.

When it comes to the domestic subsidization of American-produced semiconductor chips, majorities of Americans support doing so, with more than 70 percent support across all racial groups.

Overall, Americans favor producing semiconductor chips domestically or purchasing them from partner nations, and generally disapprove of purchasing them from any country that manufactures them. 

Summarized Findings

American support for international trade is robust across racial groups, with White and Asian Americans consistently expressing the highest degree of support for free market policies.

Despite widespread agreement that international trade benefits consumers, job creation, and the domestic economy, most Americans favor implementing trade restrictions. Across racial groups, the public affirms the value of free trade yet remains hesitant about the potential consequences of globalization. These attitudes mirror the country’s broader, ongoing pivot toward industrial policy and greater domestic economic investment.