The Cato Institute recently released a new poll and report detailing public opinion on trade. The headline number is very encouraging: 63% of Americans want to increase trade with other nations. This shows that Americans do not have a protectionist streak like their politicians do. This is a positive sign as it indicates that there is no widespread turn away from the trade liberalism that has characterized the post-World War 2 era.
The poll also revealed that Americans are skeptical about the effects of trade on jobs and wages. About 39% of respondents worry that trade reduces the number of jobs, 37% are concerned that trade reduces the quality of jobs available, and 39% think trade reduces wages. Additionally, 80% fear that trade has harmed some American industries. Despite these concerns, Americans reject protectionism, with 2/3rds to 4/5ths of Americans opposing tariffs even when there are small increases in prices. About half of Americans (48%) also reject tariffs that are lobbied for by business or industry groups.
The report highlights the importance of education in reducing skepticism over trade and building broader support. Formal education plays a significant role, as the report found that support for trade is highly correlated with one’s formal educational achievement. However, with the rise of low-cost media platforms like blogs and podcasts, informal education can also play a crucial role in educating the public about trade.
As an academic, it is important to help Americans understand the complexities of trade and correct misconceptions. Concepts like comparative advantage can be challenging to explain, but Americans seem to have a good intuition for trade. Writing blog posts, op-eds, and doing podcasts are effective ways to convey information and help people overcome their skepticism about trade.
The report also addresses the question of why protectionism is a platform of both major parties despite the popularity of trade among Americans. Only 1% of respondents consider trade and globalization a "Top 3" political issue for them. Politicians adopt protectionist positions to win votes from special interest groups without significantly risking losing votes from the majority of voters who prioritize other issues like inflation, jobs, and immigration. Educating the public about the connection between trade and these issues can help push back against the protectionist movement.
In conclusion, the Cato Institute’s poll and report shed light on American attitudes towards trade. Despite concerns about its impact on jobs and wages, the majority of Americans support increasing trade with other nations. Education and communication are key to addressing skepticism and building broader support for trade liberalization. By helping Americans understand the benefits of trade and dispelling misconceptions, we can contribute to a more informed and open-minded public discourse on trade policy.
Jon Murphy is an assistant professor of economics at Nicholls State University.
