| The weight of gold that came to Solomon yearly was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, besides that from the traveling merchants, from the income of traders, from all the kings of Arabia, and from the governors of the country. 1 Kings 10:14-15 (NKJV) |
As governments around the world continue to adjust their trade policies in response to economic and political pressures, tariffs have once again taken center stage. While economists debate their merits and consequences, Biblical Entrepreneurs must view these developments through a higher lens: one that blends sound economics with a biblical worldview.
UNDERSTANDING TARIFFS IN THE LIGHT OF SCRIPTURE
Tariffs have existed since the days of King Solomon. A tariff is a tax imposed on imported goods, often with the intent of protecting domestic industries or correcting trade imbalances. At first glance, this seems like wise governance—especially when domestic jobs and industries are at stake. But for the Kingdom entrepreneur, the question isn’t simply what works, but rather, what aligns with God’s principles of economic justice, trade balance, and global cooperation?
Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 11:1, “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him.” Tariffs, when used manipulatively or excessively, can distort the “scales” of global trade, undermining the very principles of fair exchange and mutual benefit that are foundational to biblical economics.
How do the current tariffs proposed by the Trump Administration line up with this principle?
The World Bank reports the U.S. trade-weighted average tariff rate was about 1.6% to 2.3% in the years leading up to the U.S.–China trade war (2016–2018). Import taxes account for a small portion of federal revenue—less than 2%. However, this changed a bit during the U.S.–China trade war, when tariffs on some goods surged to 10–25% for targeted products like steel, aluminum, and electronics.
This still made the United States the lowest among all developing nations except for Japan which is similar to the US. After the recent Trump Tariffs, it is predicted that the average US tariffs will more than double to around 4–5%, depending on product category, this still puts the US lower than most of the developed economies. Though I’m personally a free market pro-global trade guy and do not favor tariffs this does not seem excessive though it breaks from historical precedence.
We will discuss more about the current US trade policies and how you can minimize their negative impact on your business in our upcoming Nehemiah Best Practice Business Tour and Conference in Orlando.
THE IMPACT ON GLOBAL TRADE AND KINGDOM BUSINESS
Tariffs may protect local jobs in the short term, but they often raise costs for consumers and restrict the flow of goods and services across borders. For Kingdom businesses that rely on international supply chains or aim to expand their mission globally, tariffs can create barriers to fulfilling the Great Commission through commerce.
For example, a Nehemiah entrepreneur exporting ethically made clothing from Kenya or Mexico to the U.S. may face sudden cost increases due to import duties. This could reduce competitiveness, strain relationships, and ultimately hinder the business’s ability to create jobs, disciple employees, and fund gospel work in the local community.
Moreover, as nations retaliate with their own tariffs, a trade war can emerge, disproportionately affecting developing economies and small Kingdom enterprises seeking to break into international markets.
Join us at the upcoming Nehemiah Best Practice Business Tour and Conference with other Biblical Entrepreneurs from Kenya, Congo DRC, Mexico, and the United States as we will discuss more about the current US trade policies and how you can minimize its negative impact on your business in Orlando.
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