North Carolina Governor Josh Stein joined 18 of his fellow governors in signing a letter calling on Congress to assert control over federal tariffs from President Donald Trump.
In a statement explaining his decision, Gov. Stein argued that North Carolinians are facing higher costs as a result of President Trump’s tariffs.
“Too many North Carolina families are already feeling the squeeze of high prices and the volatility caused by the federal administration’s tariffs is further exacerbating their pain,” Stein said.
According to the NC Attorney General’s Office, North Carolina was forced to pay nearly $3.5 billion in tariffs since President Trump took office, while the farming industry and rural economy are expected to lose about $1.9 billion and 8,000 jobs. North Carolina households are expected to pay about $800 to $1,300 this year as a result of tariffs.
The 19 governors sent the letter to Congressional leaders after the Supreme Court ruled last month that Trump’s tariffs were unlawful. Trump responded to the ruling by implementing a global 10% tariff.
In their letter, Stein and his fellow governors noted the Supreme Court affirmed that Congress, not the president, has the power to set tariffs and trade policies. The governors asked Congress to place lawful limits on the president’s tariff power that can be reviewed by legislators.
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has also pushed back on the policy, joining other states in taking legal action to block the Trump administration’s current tariffs. Like Gov. Stein, Jackson and other states are arguing that Trump’s tariffs are illegal because the power to set and collect taxes lies with Congress instead of the president.
Governor Stein has previously warned of the impact tariffs imposed by the federal government could have on North Carolina’s growing industries.
Last year, the Governor led a delegation to Tokyo, where he discussed the difficulties that tariffs were causing for international businesses looking to grow their presence and create jobs in North Carolina.
And at an event last year in Winston-Salem, Governor Stein highlighted the negative impact that tariffs and uncertainty were having on Hurricane Helene recovery, warning that higher construction costs could result in fewer houses being built.
“These tariffs are hurting consumers who are now paying higher costs and farmers selling goods overseas,” said Stein in a recent statement. “Congress must act to reassert its authority on tariffs to lower costs and expand economic opportunity for North Carolinians.”
