Morgan Stanley Warns Tariffs Could Undermine Trump’s Fiscal Stimulus

President Donald Trump’s ambitious “big beautiful bill” aims to jumpstart the U.S. economy, but Morgan Stanley warns its positive impact may be undercut by rising tariffs and tighter immigration policies. According to a recent note from the investment bank, the fiscal stimulus could offer a short-term growth boost, but not enough to counteract the drag from looming trade barriers and labor restrictions.

Morgan Stanley analysts estimate the bill will only add 0.2 percentage points to GDP growth in 2026, far below expectations. They describe the outlook as a “slow-growth, firm-inflation economy,” fueled by escalating tariffs and diminished labor supply.

Tariffs, especially the upcoming August 1 hike, pose a major threat. With 50% duties on copper and reciprocal tariffs set to resume against roughly 20 key partners—including South Korea and Japan—the effective U.S. tariff rate may rise to 17–18%. The temporary easing earlier this year had brought the average rate down to 13–14%, but that reprieve may soon end.

Economists caution that the inflationary impact of new tariffs may not appear until late 2025, just as earlier tariff effects begin to fade. This lag could prolong inflation well into 2026, reducing the effectiveness of fiscal stimulus and threatening job growth.

Additionally, the administration’s restrictive immigration stance is flagged as a long-term risk. A reduced labor pool may hamper productivity and innovation, further weakening economic momentum.

With financial markets already on edge, analysts warn that the combination of trade tensions and labor constraints could spark increased volatility. While the fiscal package may offer some support, Morgan Stanley emphasizes that private sector resilience will be key to weathering the storm ahead.