We, the people of the United States of America, are bearing the brunt of an economic policy which sees us struggling to make ends meet every day. The rising costs we face are the dire consequences of the various tariffs that our previous president, Donald J Trump, imposed. To our further dismay, the current administration under Joe Biden has chosen to increase those tariffs again in 2022. In our daily lives, this means higher prices on goods, added economic stress, and an ever-tightening financial squeeze.

Originated in 2018 during Trump's presidency, these tariffs were intended as a tool of negotiation, but have instead served as an undue tax on the American middle and lower class. And despite the hope of change, we've only seen these tariffs further pushed by the Biden administration, adding more weight onto the shoulders of everyday Americans.

The toll these tariffs take on us cannot be overstated. When we go out and see the price tags on simple goods, we feel the pinch. When we're trying to stretch our dollar to cover the monthly expenses, we feel the squeeze. To make matters worse, study after study shows that tariffs fail to achieve their intended outcomes, but instead result in net losses for consumers (source: National Bureau of Economics Research, 2019).

This is a personal plea to our administration, to our lawmakers: put an end to the tariffs on imports. Our livelihoods should not be a bargaining chip in economic negotiations. We, the people, deserve policies that cater to our well-being, not ones that add to our financial uncertainty. We implore you to listen to our struggles and take decisive action. By abolishing these onerous tariffs, you will be taking a critical step in easing the undue pressure on the American middle and lower classes.

"Tariffs will make these prices nearly double to buy here. Imported goods which include a lot more than food are imported. 
Here’s an expanded list of imported foods, including specific canned items commonly brought into the U.S. to meet consumer demand:
Fresh Produce
 • Bananas, Mangoes, and Pineapples (from Central and South America)
 • Avocados (from Mexico)
 • Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons (from Mexico and Spain)
 • Berries (e.g., strawberries, blueberries) (from Mexico, Chile)
 • Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Cucumbers (from Mexico and Canada)
 • Asparagus (from Peru and Mexico)
Seafood (Fresh, Frozen, and Canned)
 • Fresh/Frozen Shrimp (from Thailand, India, Ecuador)
 • Salmon (from Norway, Chile)
 • Tilapia (from China)
 • Tuna (canned) (from Thailand, the Philippines)
 • Sardines (from Portugal, Morocco)
 • Mackerel (canned) (from Japan, Norway)
Grains and Legumes
 • Rice (from Thailand, India, Vietnam)
 • Quinoa (from Peru and Bolivia)
 • Chickpeas and Lentils (from Canada, India)
Nuts and Seeds
 • Cashews (from Vietnam and India)
 • Brazil Nuts (from Bolivia, Brazil)
 • Almonds (from Spain, Australia)
 • Chia Seeds (from Mexico and Argentina)
Dairy Products
 • Cheese varieties like Parmesan, Gouda, Feta (from Italy, Netherlands, Greece)
 • Butter (from Ireland, New Zealand)
 • Yogurt (Greek-style from Greece, other varieties from Europe)
Canned Foods and Packaged Items
 • Tomato paste and puree (from Italy)
 • Canned olives and olive oil (from Spain, Italy, Greece)
 • Canned coconut milk (from Thailand)
 • Canned beans (from Mexico, Central America)
 • Canned corn (from Canada, Brazil)
 • Canned anchovies and sardines (from Morocco, Portugal)
 • Canned fruit (e.g., pineapple, mango, peaches) (from Thailand, Philippines, Mexico)
 • Canned tuna and salmon (from Thailand, the Philippines, Chile)
Spices and Herbs
 • Vanilla (from Madagascar)
 • Black Pepper (from Vietnam, India)
 • Cinnamon (from Sri Lanka)
 • Turmeric (from India)
 • Paprika (from Spain, Hungary)
Beverages
 • Coffee beans (from Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam)
 • Tea leaves (from India, Sri Lanka, China)
 • Cocoa beans (from Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana)
Oils and Fats
 • Olive oil (from Spain, Italy, Greece)
 • Coconut oil (from the Philippines, Indonesia)
 • Palm oil (from Malaysia, Indonesia)
Alcoholic Beverages
 • Wine (from France, Italy, Chile, Spain)
 • Beer (particularly certain Mexican brands)
 • Whiskey and Scotch (from Scotland, Ireland)
Sweeteners
 • Cane sugar (from Brazil, Mexico)
 • Maple syrup (from Canada)
Condiments and Sauces
 • Soy sauce (from Japan, China)
 • Fish sauce (from Thailand, Vietnam)
 • Sriracha and other chili sauces (from Thailand)
 • Italian pasta sauces (canned/jarred) (from Italy)
This list covers many imported foods but is not exhaustive. Some items may vary seasonally, and the variety of imported goods continues to grow as global food trade evolves and consumer demand shifts."

Please, we urge you to sign this petition and voice our collective demand to remove the tariffs on imports. Path to a better future lies in policies that prioritize the prosperity of the common people, and it starts with your signatures.