Former President Barack Obama has shared his thoughts on the recently announced tariffs set to affect a wide range of imported goods in the United States. During a public event at Hamilton College in New York on April 4, Obama discussed the broader implications of the new economic policies and expressed concern over their potential long-term impact.
The comments came just days after current President Donald Trump unveiled a new wave of tariffs that apply a 10 percent base tax on imported goods from all countries. A separate list of 60 nations, including Japan, South Africa, and Vietnam, will face higher rates—some as high as 46 percent.
The changes were introduced in a White House Rose Garden address, with the administration calling it a move to strengthen American industry and reduce dependency on foreign products. However, some economic experts and former leaders, including Obama, are urging a closer look at how these measures might affect both the national and global economy.
During the college event, Obama was asked about current trends in policy and their effect on average Americans. While most of his speech focused on education, civic engagement, and his ongoing writing projects, he briefly addressed the new tariffs.
“I don’t believe these types of sweeping economic changes will help everyday Americans the way some might hope,” Obama said. “While we always want to support American workers and businesses, we also need to consider how changes like this affect prices, trade relationships, and consumer access to goods.”
His comments were met with quiet agreement by many in the audience, made up largely of students and faculty members.
The new tariffs are expected to cause noticeable price increases on a number of common products, especially those that rely on international supply chains. Items like bananas, avocados, coffee, tea, washers, dryers, and clothing are among those expected to become more expensive in the short term. Auto prices could also rise due to added import fees on parts and foreign-made vehicles.
Financial analysts have reported that the stock market responded sharply to the announcement. The S&P 500 saw a significant drop in market value shortly afterward, and the U.S. dollar experienced its lowest point in six months.
Despite these shifts, supporters of the tariffs believe they could encourage more domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on international markets. Critics, on the other hand, warn that such sudden changes can lead to instability and higher costs for American consumers.
Obama emphasized the importance of thoughtful planning and open discussion when it comes to economic decisions that affect the entire country.
“It’s less about who introduces a policy and more about how it affects people on a day-to-day basis,” he said. “Decisions that impact our wallets and the broader economy should be made with clarity, communication, and consideration.”
He also mentioned the importance of maintaining strong ties with educational institutions and encouraging young people to get involved in civic life.
“When students ask questions, explore ideas, and speak up, it leads to a stronger society overall,” Obama said.
While Obama did not go into great detail about the current administration’s approach, his comments added to a growing conversation around how global trade, domestic manufacturing, and consumer prices all intersect.
As of April 5, the new tariffs are officially in effect, and retailers across the country are watching closely to see how their pricing and inventory may be affected. Some businesses are already advising consumers to consider purchasing certain imported goods sooner rather than later, before potential price increases take hold.
The full effect of the tariffs may take several weeks or months to unfold. Economists will be monitoring inflation rates, import volumes, and consumer spending habits to assess the broader outcome.
In the meantime, consumers, business owners, and policy watchers alike are keeping a close eye on how these changes will shape the economy in 2025 and beyond.
Obama’s comments serve as a reminder that, regardless of political affiliation, the impacts of large-scale economic changes are felt most strongly by everyday people—at the grocery store, in retail shops, and in long-term financial planning.