Tariffs, Patriotism, and Progress: Why Tariffs Can Be a Good Thing for Asian Americans in North Carolina
- Luke smith
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
As we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, it’s a time to honor the rich traditions, sacrifices, and contributions of AAPI families across our great nation. From small business owners to engineers, farmers to front-line workers — Asian Americans have helped build America. And now, we have a unique opportunity to help rebuild it stronger than ever.
One tool in that rebuilding effort? Tariffs.
Though often debated, tariffs can be a powerful force for good — especially for AAPI communities here in North Carolina. When implemented wisely, they can bring jobs home, strengthen our economy, and give Asian American families the opportunity to lead in a more self-reliant, more patriotic future.
🇺🇸 1. Tariffs Bring Back Jobs — And Asian Americans Are Ready to Lead
America is waking up to the importance of making things right here at home. Tariffs on unfair imports create space for American businesses to manufacture, build, and grow again — something North Carolina was once known for.
For the AAPI community, this means:
More opportunities to start and grow businesses tied to American supply chains.
Access to well-paying careers in tech-enabled manufacturing and trades.
A chance to lead in innovation and bring global insight to domestic industry.
AAPI North Carolinians have always stepped up when America needed us — from WWII to today’s economy. This is our moment again.
🌸 2. AAPI-Owned Businesses Can Win Big
Did you know that Asian Americans are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S.? Tariffs can actually level the playing field by giving small businesses a chance to compete with cheap, mass-produced imports.
This opens the door for:
Local manufacturing cooperatives
Community-based e-commerce brands
Domestic sourcing partnerships
Instead of relying on unstable supply chains overseas, we can build strong, resilient, Made-in-America brands — powered by the hard work and ingenuity of Asian American families.
🏫 3. Youth and Immigrant Upskilling = A Stronger America
Tariffs don’t just affect trade. They change how and where Americans work.
In North Carolina, new factories and logistics centers mean more jobs. But not just any jobs — jobs that need skill, leadership, and drive.
Let’s use this chance to:
Empower our youth with career training in fields like robotics, manufacturing, and logistics.
Support immigrants with professional experience to re-enter their fields through certifications.
Launch AAPI workforce development programs that feed our local economy and make our communities more self-sufficient.
It’s patriotic to invest in our people, and Asian Americans are more than ready to rise to the occasion.
🌏 4. Ethical Trade Reflects Our American and Asian Values
Many AAPI families come from countries where they’ve seen what unfair trade really looks like — sweatshops, pollution, and exploitation. Tariffs help America say: We will not support injustice abroad to save a few cents at home.
By encouraging ethical manufacturing, clean energy, and fair labor, tariffs help us:
Honor both American and Asian values of dignity, hard work, and respect.
Hold foreign governments accountable who take advantage of workers or undermine fair trade.
Stand strong for what we believe in — both as Americans and as proud members of the AAPI community.
🗳 5. Tariffs Show Why Asian Americans Must Stay Politically Engaged
Tariffs aren’t just about economics — they’re about leadership. And as we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, it’s important to remember: our voices matter.
Asian Americans in North Carolina must step up and say:
“We want jobs here at home.”
“We support fair trade, not free-for-all trade.”
“We are American citizens, taxpayers, and voters — and we demand policies that protect our future.”
Whether you're a student, business owner, or community leader — this is your chance to help shape America’s next chapter.
Final Word: AAPI Heritage Month Is About Rising Together
Tariffs are just one tool. But they represent something bigger — a commitment to American independence, economic justice, and community-driven growth. And as Asian Americans in North Carolina, we are not just observers in this story. We are leaders.
This AAPI Heritage Month, let’s rise up with pride. Let’s build with purpose. And let’s remind the nation:
There is nothing more American than standing up, working hard, and making sure the next generation has it better than the last.
Want to get involved in building economic power for AAPI families in NC? Visit ncaacoalition.org — and follow us on social media to stay connected with events, resources, and advocacy opportunities.
#AAPIHeritageMonth #MadeInAmerica #TariffsForAmerica #NorthCarolinaStrong #AAPIPower #PatriotsOfEveryColor
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