Most people think of tariffs as a tool to protect American jobs or punish foreign countries. But in reality, tariffs are just another form of tax. And like many taxes, they hit working families the hardest.
As an ophthalmologist, I’ve seen firsthand how tariffs drive up prices in the eyewear industry. But this issue goes far beyond glasses. It affects many everyday items we all rely on—especially those made in China.
Let’s break down why tariffs are really a sales tax in disguise, who gets hurt most, and why it matters.
What Is a Tariff, Really?
A tariff is a tax that the U.S. government puts on products made in other countries. When a company imports those products into the U.S., they must pay the tariff.
Politicians sometimes claim these tariffs punish countries like China. But that’s not what happens. The company importing the product simply raises its prices to cover the extra cost. That means you, the consumer, pay more at the store. The money goes straight to the U.S. government—just like a sales tax.
Eyewear Is a Clear Example
About 90% of all eyewear sold in America is made in China. This includes reading glasses, prescription frames, sunglasses, and more. It’s not because companies want to support China—it’s because that’s where the supply chain is. Factories there are set up to make millions of pairs at low prices and consistent quality.
When the Trump administration added tariffs to many Chinese goods, including eyewear components, the cost of making a simple pair of glasses went up. That extra cost didn’t just disappear. It was added to the price tag.
For example, a pair of reading glasses that used to sell for $15 might now cost $20. Multiply that across millions of customers, and you start to see the impact.
There’s No Easy Replacement for China
Some people argue that we should just stop buying from China. In theory, that sounds great. In practice, it’s almost impossible—at least for now.
Other countries do make eyewear. Japan, Italy, South Korea, and the United States all produce glasses. But most of that production is for the premium market, where frames often cost $200 or more. These are not options for the average person looking for affordable eyewear.
There is no other country that can make high volumes of low-cost, everyday glasses like China does. So when the government adds tariffs to these products, it’s not hurting China—it’s hurting American buyers.
Tariffs Hurt Low-Income Americans the Most
Let’s say a tariff causes the price of a product to rise from $99 to $150. For a millionaire, that $51 increase is pocket change. But for a low-income family, $51 can be a whole day’s take-home pay. That’s the real problem.
Tariffs work like a flat tax. Everyone pays the same extra amount, no matter how much they earn. But that means poorer families end up spending a bigger share of their income on basic goods. It’s just like a sales tax at the store—except most people don’t realize it’s happening.
Politicians often say they want to help the “working class.” But adding tariffs to essentials like glasses, shoes, clothing, and electronics does the opposite. It makes life more expensive for the people who can least afford it.
Where Does the Money Go?
Here’s the twist: when prices go up because of tariffs, that extra money doesn’t go to American workers or companies. It goes to the U.S. Treasury.
That’s right—when you pay more for imported goods, that money becomes government revenue. It doesn’t rebuild factories in the Midwest. It doesn’t train workers. It just disappears into the tax system.
So while politicians may talk tough about foreign countries, what they’re really doing is quietly taxing their own people. And most Americans never even realize it.
Many Other Products Face the Same Problem
Eyewear is just one example. Many other goods have similar supply chains. Think about:
- Cell phones
- Laptops
- Appliances
- Kids’ toys
- Tools
- Furniture
Most of these are either made in China or rely heavily on parts from China. Moving all of that production to other countries or back to the U.S. would take years—and cost much more. So for now, the burden of tariffs falls straight on the backs of American consumers.
What Can We Do About It?
The first step is understanding how tariffs work. When you hear a politician call them a “smart economic strategy,” remember: you’re the one paying for it.
We should push for fair trade, yes—but not by quietly taxing working people. If we want to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., we need real investment: in training, technology, and infrastructure. Simply adding a tax to imported goods won’t fix the problem. It just adds to the pain.
Final Thoughts
Tariffs may sound like a punishment for foreign countries, but in reality, they punish you. Whether you’re buying a pair of reading glasses or a new phone, the extra cost you pay goes straight to the U.S. government.
And the people who can least afford it are the ones who suffer the most.
We need honest conversations about trade, taxes, and fairness. Tariffs aren’t the answer. They’re just a hidden sales tax that makes life harder for everyday Americans.