Polling News

Views On Trade Over Time

May 03, 2018

According to Gallup, more Americans view foreign trade positively today than in past years.  Today, 70% say foreign trade is an “opportunity for growth,” while 25% say it is a “threat from foreign imports.”

This trend shows how Americans’ views on trade have been growing increasingly positive, especially in the past six years.  In 1992, the earliest year Gallup began tracking sentiment on foreign trade, 48% of Americans considered trade to be a threat and 44% said it was an opportunity for growth.  In 2000, 56% had a positive view of foreign trade and 36% a negative one, but the positive number dropped 15 points to 41% in 2008, at the time of the recession.  As Gallup notes, “When the unemployment rate has been higher, more Americans have viewed trade as a threat to the U.S. economy.”  That year, 52% of Americans viewed foreign trade as a threat.

In 2012, American attitudes began shifting again, splitting evenly – 46%-46% – on whether trade was an opportunity or threat.  The next year, the number who viewed trade as an opportunity for growth jumped 11 points to 57%, while just 35% viewed it as a threat.  As noted last week, while Americans want trade agreements to be fair, the numbers show a continuing and growing positive belief among Americans in the value of trade, especially when they feel it has a positive impact on the economy.

Related PollingNews

Placeholder polling news
October 09, 2025 |
Polling News
At this point in the 2018 Midterm Election cycle, there were plenty of signs that Republicans were marching into a debacle. The 2026 Midterm Elections do not have those same warning signs, as pointed out by NBC News’ Steve Kornacki, and Republicans likely...
Placeholder polling news
September 25, 2025 |
Polling News
A new Reuters/Ispos poll found President Donald Trump’s approval rating declined again this month and is now 41%. More interestingly, however, was the responses on which party has the better for specific issues. ...
Placeholder polling news
September 18, 2025 |
Polling News
Republicans must grapple with some messaging nuances around entitlement reform and the economy before the Midterms, but NBC News highlighted some good news for the GOP. ...
Placeholder polling news
September 11, 2025 |
Polling News
The latest CBS News/YouGov poll found that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are still in bumpy political terrain. Only his hard core base supports them. ...
Button karlsbooks
Button readinglist
Button nextapperance