Fact Check: Us is getting 2 billion dollars per day from tarrifs

Claim Analysis: "US is getting 2 billion dollars per day from tariffs"

Introduction

The claim that the United States is collecting $2 billion per day in tariff revenue has recently been made public by former President Donald Trump. This assertion raises questions about the accuracy of the figure, the context in which it was presented, and the broader implications for U.S. trade policy.

What We Know

1. Tariff Revenue Overview: According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), tariffs are a significant source of revenue for the federal government, but the total amount collected can vary widely based on trade volumes and tariff rates applied to different goods 14.

2. Recent Tariff Data: A report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) indicates that in 2023, the U.S. imported approximately $3.8 trillion worth of goods and services, with tariffs applied to these imports 5. However, the specific daily revenue from tariffs is not explicitly detailed in this report.

3. Estimates of Tariff Revenue: The Tax Policy Center notes that tariff revenue has historically not exceeded 3% of total federal revenue for the past 70 years, suggesting that while tariffs contribute to federal income, they do not account for a substantial portion of overall revenue 9.

4. Trump's Statement: Trump's claim of $2 billion per day in tariff revenue lacks detailed substantiation. The context of his statement does not provide a breakdown of how this figure was calculated or what specific tariffs were included 6.

5. Current Tariff Rates: As of early 2025, the U.S. has imposed various tariffs, including significant rates on imports from China. However, estimates of total revenue from these tariffs over time suggest a much lower daily average than $2 billion 7.

Analysis

The claim that the U.S. is generating $2 billion per day from tariffs warrants a critical examination of the data and sources involved:

• Source Reliability: Trump's assertion comes from a live statement without accompanying data or references, which raises questions about its reliability. In contrast, CBP and CBO reports are based on comprehensive data collection and analysis, making them more credible sources for understanding tariff revenue 15.

• Methodology Concerns: The methodology behind calculating daily tariff revenue is not clear from Trump's statement. For example, if the total annual tariff revenue were to be divided evenly across 365 days, it would require a total annual revenue of approximately $730 billion, a figure that does not align with historical data on U.S. tariff collections.

• Conflicting Information: Other sources, such as the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, estimate that Trump's tariffs could raise around $20 billion in revenue for the remainder of 2025, which translates to significantly less than $2 billion per day 7. This discrepancy highlights the need for clarity and verification.

• Contextual Factors: Tariff revenue is influenced by various factors, including trade volumes, economic conditions, and international trade agreements. The current geopolitical climate, including trade tensions with China, can also affect these figures.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that the United States is collecting $2 billion per day in tariff revenue is false. The evidence indicates that while tariffs do contribute to federal revenue, the actual figures are significantly lower than the claim suggests. For instance, estimates from credible sources, including the Congressional Budget Office and the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, indicate that total tariff revenue is far below the $730 billion annual figure that would be required to support Trump's assertion.

It is important to note that the calculation of tariff revenue can be complex and is influenced by various factors, including trade volumes and economic conditions. The lack of transparency in the methodology behind Trump's statement further undermines its credibility.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations in the available evidence. The figures discussed are estimates and can fluctuate based on changing trade policies and economic conditions. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider the context and sources behind claims, especially those that appear to be exaggerated or lack substantiation.

Sources

1. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "Trade Statistics." CBP Trade Statistics
2. The White House. "Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency." White House Fact Sheet
3. Yale Budget Lab. "Where We Stand: The Fiscal, Economic, and Distributional Effects of All U.S. Tariffs." Yale Budget Lab
4. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "FY 2023 CBP Trade Fact Sheet." CBP Trade Fact Sheet
5. Congressional Budget Office. "How CBO Projects Tariff Revenues." CBO Tariff Revenue PDF
6. Reuters. "Trump Tariffs Live: 104% US Duties on Some China Imports." Reuters
7. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. "How Much Revenue Will Trump's Tariffs Raise?" CRFB Blog
8. Statista. "U.S. Tariffs - Statistics & Facts." Statista
9. Tax Policy Center. "Tariffs, Trade, China, and the States." Tax Policy Center PDF
10. CNBC. "Trump Sets 90% Tariff Rate on Packages from China." CNBC