Tariffs Cost American Households More Than $1,700 on Average Last Year

March 6, 2026

PENNSYLVANIA - Last month, the Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs, which cost Pennsylvania an estimated $4 billion over the last year. But it’s uncertain whether Pennsylvanians will receive any sort of refund on these illegal tariffs, or if they will see prices drop at all.

According to economists, the refund process is "highly unclear" and could take up to 18 months. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed this week that the president plans to raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%.

Despite 6 in 10 Americans disapproving of Trump’s tariffs and consumers bearing the brunt of these price hikes, Congressmen Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan, and Scott Perry have supported them at every opportunity, voting multiple times over the last year to keep the president’s illegal tariffs in place. Just a week before the SCOTUS decision, all three congressmen voted to ban all challenges related to tariffs until July and continue tariffs on Canada, Pennsylvania’s biggest international trade partner.

“After voting for historic cuts to SNAP and Medicaid that make it harder for working families to access health care and put food on the table, Congressmen Mackenzie, Bresnahan, and Perry continued to raise prices on their constituents by supporting Trump’s tariffs at every turn,” said Rachele Fortier, executive director of Affordable Pennsylvania. “It’s time for these congressmen to stop prioritizing Trump’s approval over their constituents' needs. These representatives need to oppose any further attempts to implement tariffs and fight for Pennsylvanians to get their money back.”

Affordable Pennsylvania has launched four ads highlighting small business owners, community leaders, and constituents calling on their representatives to stand up to Trump on tariffs and fight for lower costs. In December, Affordable Pennsylvania also launched billboards calling on Reps. Mackenzie, Bresnahan, and Perry to address tariffs that were contributing to rising holiday costs.

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