Trump’s Trade Tensions on Frum Life

Our Sy Syms students may already be familiar with tariffs, but this economic and political tool has become more relevant than ever for Americans since President Trump’s return to the Oval Office. Under Trump, tariffs have become the preferred tool for addressing economic issues and protecting American industries. Steel, electronics and agricultural products are all tariffed heavily to tip the scales in favor of American producers. While some domestic industries may see short-term gains from this protectionism, the economic impact is far wider ranging. Tariffs often lead to higher prices for American consumers, trigger retaliatory tariffs from trade partners and disrupt global supply chains that U.S. companies rely on. For members of the Orthodox Jewish community and their small to mid-size businesses in manufacturing, imports and kosher food production, these shifts in trade policy make an already difficult frum life all the more complicated. They are felt in balance sheets, sourcing decisions and even in the price of familiar kosher grocery items.

Across the neighborhoods of Lakewood, Brooklyn and Kiryas Joel, Jewish families and Jewish-owned businesses rely heavily on the importation of products and food from China, Israel and the European Union. Shabbos lamps from China, kosher meat from Argentina and religious texts from Israel all feel the pressure when the administration begins issuing tariffs.

The kosher food industry, in particular, feels pressure from multiple sides. Many kosher-certified products depend on imported ingredients or production equipment. Tariffs on these goods raise production costs, complicate logistics and, in some cases, delay certification timelines when facilities need to be moved or modified. Sam Salem, owner of Yes! Kosher Market, has said in an interview that he will have to raise prices by as much as 25% due to the 10% tariff imposed on imported goods.

Some business owners respond by raising prices, while others absorb the costs or scramble to find alternative suppliers. That kind of disruption ripples through entire industries, especially in niche markets where kosher certification, halachic compliance and trust-based relationships matter just as much as price. Even something as seemingly simple as a recent Passover product line is affected, as companies are forced to navigate rising costs and shifting suppliers just before their most important season.

For many other industries, the cost of doing business also rises sharply. Companies that rely on imported raw materials or parts, such as auto manufacturers, appliance makers and construction firms, must either pay more or reconfigure their supply chains. For example, when the cost of imported steel increases, it doesn’t just affect factories; it affects prices on everything from kitchen sinks to school buses. American farmers also feel the sting. In retaliation for U.S. tariffs, countries like China impose their own duties on U.S. exports, hitting soybeans, dairy and meat products particularly hard. This leads to billions in lost sales and requires federal bailout programs to stabilize the agricultural economy. Ironically, many of these farmers are politically supportive of the very administration implementing the tariffs.

For consumers, the effects show up in subtle but significant ways. Prices on electronics, clothing and everyday items tick upward. According to a 2019 study by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Columbia University and Princeton University, the average U.S. household pays between $400 and $800 more per year as a direct result of tariffs, due to higher prices and reduced consumption choices.

Even businesses that support the spirit of economic nationalism begin to worry about long-term uncertainty. Trade tensions with China, in particular, spark volatility in financial markets and raise concerns about supply chain resilience. Many companies delay investments or shift operations overseas to avoid the risk of future trade barriers.

For Orthodox Jewish communities, these higher prices and economic uncertainties are felt most acutely during key Jewish holidays when the demand for imported specialized kosher food and goods spikes. The rising costs force families to budget more carefully and businesses to re-evaluate supply chain choices. For many small kosher producers and retailers, these tariffs create a constant balancing act between maintaining their customer base and covering the rising costs of goods.

While Trump’s tariff policies create some challenges for American consumers and businesses, they also serve to strengthen domestic industries and protect American jobs in the long run. By imposing tariffs, Trump aims to address unfair trade practices, reduce trade deficits and encourage more manufacturing within the U.S. For Jewish business owners, especially in niche markets like kosher food production, the road is rocky, but these policies also align with broader goals of economic self-reliance and national security. As the country moves forward, the focus should be on how businesses, including those in the Orthodox Jewish community, can adapt to these new realities and continue to thrive in a more protectionist global economy. In the end, Trump’s tariffs may lay the groundwork for a more resilient, independent U.S. economy, but in the short term, the costs will definitely be significant for the frum community.

Photo Caption: Kosher food aisle

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons