May 12, 2026

NPR/Chicago Council on Global Affairs/Ipsos poll: Americans oppose tariffs' economic impact; remain deeply wary of China's global ambitions

Washington, DC – As President Trump embarks Tuesday on the first trip to Beijing of his second term, Americans largely view China as an economic rival seeking global dominance, according to a new NPR/Chicago Council on Global Affairs/Ipsos poll. Americans also want to maintain a strong trading relationship with China and would like to see tariffs reduced to keep costs to U.S. consumers down.

Among the Americans surveyed, 78% believe China wants to become the dominant world power. Yet by a 56%-29% margin, Americans say China's threat to the United States is more economic than military. Only 13% say China poses no threat at all.

The survey also finds Americans increasingly resistant to disrupting trade ties with China if doing so would raise prices at home. A strong majority of respondents (62%) oppose significantly reducing trade between the U.S. and China if it increases costs for American consumers — a shift from polling conducted in 2020 and 2021, when majorities supported reducing trade even if prices rose.

Tariffs are overwhelmingly viewed as harmful for Americans. More than three-quarters (76%) say tariffs are bad for the U.S. cost of living, while 70% say tariffs hurt Americans' standard of living and 61% say tariffs are bad for creating American jobs.

The findings come as reports indicate China may announce a major purchase of U.S. agricultural goods in exchange for reduced tariffs during the summit. Seven in 10 Americans say they would support reducing tariffs on China in exchange for China purchasing more U.S. agricultural products.

Still, Americans remain cautious about certain aspects of the U.S.-China relationship. Seven in 10 also support prohibiting U.S. companies from selling sensitive high-tech products to China, though Americans are much less supportive of limiting Chinese students studying in the United States (44%).

More Americans say the war in Iran has benefited China's position in the world (36%) than say it has benefited U.S. national security (32%), U.S. relationships with allies (24%), the global economy (14%), or the U.S. cost of living (10%).

Highlights:

• 78% believe China wants to be the dominant world leader.
• 56% believe China's threat to U.S. dominance is more economic than military (29%).
• 76% view tariffs as bad for the U.S. cost of living, and 61% say they're bad for creating American jobs.
• 62% oppose significantly reducing trade between the U.S. and China, even if this leads to greater costs for American consumers. That's a change from 2020 and 2021 when, pre-tariffs, majorities said they would be in favor.
• Americans overwhelmingly feel the war in Iran has been a bad thing for everything from the U.S. cost of living (86%) to U.S. national security (65%) and its reputation abroad (72%), according to a Chicago Council/Ipsos survey on Iran that was also released on Tuesday.

The two national surveys by Ipsos were conducted using an online panel. The first, dealing mostly with Americans' views of China, was conducted March 13-15 and includes interviews with 1,025 adults, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points. The second set of questions focused on Iran; it was conducted May 1-3 and includes results from 1,018 adults, with a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.

Read NPR's full report here: https://www.npr.org/2026/05/12/nx-s1-5817601

Read the full Chicago Council on Global Affairs report here: https://bit.ly/49IKimu

About NPR:

NPR's rigorous reporting and unsurpassed storytelling connect with millions of Americans every day — on the air, online, and in person. NPR was founded on a mission to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and cultures. With a nationwide network of award-winning journalists and more than a dozen international bureaus, NPR and its Member organizations are never far from where a story is unfolding. Listeners and readers can find NPR everywhere — through their local Member stations (npr.org/stations), online at NPR.org, wherever podcasts are available, and by downloading the NPR App. The NPR app brings together the best of the NPR Network from around the world and right in your community — live radio, podcasts, the latest local and national news, and more — available wherever you are and whenever you want. Get more information at npr.org/about and by following NPR Extra on Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and Instagram.

About the Chicago Council on Global Affairs: 

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs was founded in 1922 and is dedicated to increasing knowledge and engagement in global affairs. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research influence policy conversations and inform the insights we share with our growing community. Through accessible content and open dialogue of diverse, fact-based perspectives, we empower more people to help shape our global future. Learn more at globalaffairs.org and by following the Council on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and X.

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