Utah Governor Spencer Cox has called for greater global trade liberalisation, warning that tariffs increase costs for consumers and discourage business investment by creating uncertainty in international markets.
Speaking in an interview with Khaleej Times, Cox said he remains a strong supporter of free trade, arguing that open markets benefit economies around the world. At the same time, he acknowledged that the United States has faced trading relationships that it considers uneven and unfair in recent years.
“I’m not a big tariffs guy. I truly believe in free trade, that is good for all of us, and lifts all of us,” Cox said. “If it was up to me, we would get rid of trade barriers everywhere. But if there are going to be some trade barriers, we need to be pragmatic and make sure that they’re smart.”
He added that tariffs ultimately push up prices for consumers and contribute to inflation.
“I don’t love that we have to raise prices. I think that’s bad for consumers. It’s certainly hurting with inflation here at home, and across the globe,” he said.
US President Donald Trump introduced a series of tariffs during his second term, saying the measures were needed to protect industries considered vital to national security, reduce trade deficits and strengthen domestic manufacturing. The administration imposed duties on a wide range of imports under several trade and national security laws, with tariff rates varying from 10 per cent to more than 50 per cent. Some of those measures were later eased through bilateral agreements, including a temporary reduction in tariffs between the United States and China.
Cox said businesses are less concerned about the level of tariffs than they are about policy uncertainty.
“People just want security; they just need to know what the rules of the game are,” he said, noting that frequent policy changes make it difficult for companies to make long-term investment decisions.
He said he had shared those concerns directly with President Trump, warning that uncertainty can delay or prevent investment because companies are reluctant to commit capital without a clear understanding of future trade rules.
Looking beyond tariffs, Cox identified India as one of Utah’s top international priorities, describing it as one of the world’s most important markets. He said the state plans to lead a trade mission to India next year to strengthen business ties.
The governor also highlighted Utah’s growing role in the critical minerals sector, saying the state possesses 50 of the 60 minerals identified by the US Department of Defense as strategically important. New legislation has established a critical minerals commission and significantly reduced permit processing times to encourage investment.
Cox said Utah continues to attract foreign investment through sectors including life sciences, aerospace, defence and energy. He added that the state’s multilingual education programmes and tailored support for international investors have helped strengthen its position as a destination for global businesses seeking opportunities in the United States.
