Americans More Likely to Oppose the Tariffs Set to be Implemented by the United States in the Following Months Than to Support Them

Washington, DC, August 23, 2018 — According to a new survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc., most Americans report being aware that the United States will be implementing tariffs in the following months on a number of products including but not limited to iron, steel, aluminum, textiles (i.e. fleece, cotton) and automobiles (67%). While one in four (26%) support these tariffs, a greater proportion say that they oppose them (40%). Similarly, only a quarter believe that the tariffs will have a positive impact on the United States (26% vs. 48% who believe the proposed tariffs will have a negative impact) and fewer believe these tariffs will have a positive impact on their personal life (14%). Instead, most (71%) agree that customers who purchase products handmade in America, that use foreign raw materials, will see an increase in prices and another 53% agree that small businesses that rely on selling handmade in America products, will be unintentionally punished if the proposed tariffs on textiles are implemented. For more on the detailed findings from this study, please see the topline report.

About the Study

These are the findings from an Ipsos poll conducted August 15 – 20, 2018 on behalf of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. For the survey, a sample of 2,593 adults ages 18 and over from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii was interviewed online, in English. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of ±2.2 percentage points for all respondents.

The sample for this study was randomly drawn from Ipsos’s online panel (see link below for more info on “Access Panels and Recruitment”), partner online panel sources, and “river” sampling (see link below for more info on the Ipsos “Ampario Overview” sample method) and does not rely on a population frame in the traditional sense. Ipsos uses fixed sample targets, unique to each study, in drawing sample. After a sample has been obtained from the Ipsos panel, Ipsos calibrates respondent characteristics to be representative of the U.S. Population using standard procedures such as raking-ratio adjustments. The source of these population targets is U.S. Census 2016 American Community Survey data. The sample drawn for this study reflects fixed sample targets on demographics. Post-hoc weights were made to the population characteristics on gender, age, region, race/ethnicity and income.

Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online nonprobability sampling polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error and measurement error. Where figures do not sum to 100, this is due to the effects of rounding. Ipsos calculates a design effect (DEFF) for each study based on the variation of the weights, following the formula of Kish (1965). This study had a credibility interval adjusted for design effect of the following (n=2,593, DEFF=1.5, adjusted Confidence Interval=3.7).

For more information about conducting research intended for public release or Ipsos’ online polling methodology, please visit our Public Opinion Polling and Communication page where you can download our brochure, see our public release protocol, or contact us.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Chris Jackson
Vice President, U.S.
Ipsos Public Affairs
+1 202 420-2025
[email protected]

Marie-Pierre Lemay
Senior Account Manager, U.S.
Ipsos Public Affairs
+1 613 793-1622
[email protected]

About Ipsos

Ipsos is an independent market research company controlled and managed by research professionals. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has grown into a worldwide research group with a strong presence in all key markets. Ipsos ranks fourth in the global research industry.
With offices in 89 countries, Ipsos delivers insightful expertise across five research specializations: brand, advertising and media; customer loyalty; marketing; public affairs research; and survey management.

Ipsos researchers assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media and they measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos has been listed on the Paris Stock Exchange since 1999 and generated global revenues of €1,782.7 million in 2016.