Fact Check: Are Foreign Producers Paying 80% of U.S. Tariffs as Trump Claims?

Media Bias Fact Check (MBFC) publishes daily vetted fact checks from verified IFCN-approved sources. Each claim is independently reviewed for accuracy and context.


Claimant: Donald Trump


Claim: Foreign producers and middlemen pay at least 80% of U.S. tariffs.


Rating: FALSE


Explanation: Research cited by Trump does not support his claim. A Harvard-linked study found U.S. consumers bore roughly 43% of tariff costs, with most remaining costs absorbed by U.S. companies. Foreign exporters paid far less than 80%.


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Date: 02/07/2026


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Last Updated on February 7, 2026 by Media Bias Fact Check

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