Condoleezza Rice on Tariffs
TL;DR
Condoleezza Rice generally opposes tariffs, preferring negotiated reciprocity and free trade principles over trade disputes.
Key Points
She expressed that tit-for-tat tariffs between the U.S. and China are counterproductive and not solving the core issues.
In 2018, Rice stated, "I'm a free trader. I don't like tariffs back and forth very much; it doesn't serve anybody."
She expressed concern in 2025 about imposing secondary sanctions, a measure similar to tariffs, on countries aiding Russia due to uncertain trade relations.
Summary
Condoleezza Rice expressed skepticism regarding the use of tariffs, particularly those enacted in the context of the trade dispute with China. She stated a clear preference for free trade and reciprocity, suggesting that tit-for-tat tariffs are counterproductive and fail to solve underlying issues like intellectual property protection or market openness. She emphasized that competition between the United States and China should occur within established rules, not through escalatory trade actions.
While acknowledging disappointment with China’s behavior since joining the WTO, the former Secretary of State sought to "take the venom out of the word 'competitor'" in international relations. Her perspective suggested that systemic shifts toward protectionism are long-term trends, not solely driven by political changes. Furthermore, she indicated that imposing secondary sanctions, which can be similar in effect to certain trade barriers, on countries like India for aiding Russia’s war effort is a complicated move given uncertain trade relations.
Key Quotes
countries will be more protectionist in their trade policies;
My concern is that this is already a pretty complicated situation with tariffs flying all over the place and trade relations somewhat uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Condoleezza Rice is generally opposed to the use of tariffs, identifying as a free trader. She views unilateral tariff actions, like those seen in the US-China trade dispute, as counterproductive measures. Her preferred approach is for the US and China to work toward negotiated reciprocity to address trade issues.
While Condoleezza Rice did not directly comment on standard tariffs against Russia, she discussed related economic pressure. She supported using frozen Russian central bank assets for Ukraine over secondary sanctions, which she noted could be problematic given existing trade complexities and uncertainty.
Condoleezza Rice noted that countries are becoming more protectionist in their trade policies, signaling a dismantling of the borderless economic cooperation that characterized globalization. She sees this shift as a long-term, secular trend in the new world order, not just a result of specific political events.
Sources4
Around The World With Condoleezza Rice | Secrets of Statecraft
Experts discuss trade war and U.S.-China relations
Condoleezza Rice: Globalisation's borderless era is coming undone
Condoleezza Rice Clarifies Position on Trump's Policy Toward the War in Ukraine
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.