10-05-2025
Are Americans clueless about tariffs? State-by-state breakdown
Like the weather forecast, tariffs have become a topic of discussion in everyday conversations.
The chatter on imported goods is inescapable, now even being talked about at parties and in social settings. But can you recall the first time learning about tariffs in middle school? Apparently, much of the nation needs a refresher.
Financial media company tested the knowledge of 3,750 people in the U.S. with a quiz on tariffs. Some states earned near perfect scores while others, lets just say, wouldn't be getting a gold star.
Iowa rose above all states in tariff knowledge, with an average score of 90% from residents. With the Hawkeye State's economy leaning heavily on corn and soybean exports, Iowans know a thing or two about tariffs as these industries are deeply impacted by trade policy.
On the opposite end of the leaderboard stands Louisiana, earning a mere 42% score.
Where does the Garden State Land? Below average, reaching a score of 66% (The national average is 75%.)
Despite the subpar grade, 58% of New Jerseyans cite traditional news sources as their primary source of education on tariffs. A 30% chunk rely on social media to inform them, and a small 6% go to Youtube, podcasts and water cooler conversations.
When participants asked whether they'd feel comfortable discussing tariffs at a party, 6% of people said they'd rather leave the party altogether.
A humble 34% said they'd have no problem breaking tariffs down, while 41% said they'd try their best to bluff through the topic. Nineteen percent would rather attempt to steer the conversation somewhere else entirely.
Here's a breakdown of the highest and lowest scorers:
Iowa: 90%
Indiana: 88%
Wyoming: 86%
South Dakota: 86%
Idaho: 86%
Louisiana: 42%
Delaware: 50%
Oklahoma: 58%
Alabama: 60%
Colorado: 61%
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ's tariff IQ: Americans not well informed on Trump's policies
