U.S. Import Tariffs and Global Halal Trade: Institutional Barriers and Policy Solutions

Abstract

This study explores the impact of U.S. import tariffs on the performance of global halal product exports. Using a qualitative document-based approach, the research analyzes how tariff structures interact with institutional and regulatory conditions specific to halal trade. Drawing from institutional trade theory, religious economy, and legitimacy theory, the study reveals that tariffs—though not religiously targeted—create structural disadvantages for halal exporters due to certification fragmentation, lack of mutual recognition, and non-aligned logistics infrastructure. The results show that small and medium halal producers from Southeast Asia and the MENA region are especially burdened by compounded costs and institutional exclusion. The study further argues for the integration of halal standards into bilateral and multilateral trade agreements to ensure equitable access and market legitimacy. Policy recommendations include certification harmonization, halal-focused trade protocols, and recognition mechanisms under international trade law. This research contributes a novel interdisciplinary framework for understanding the intersection of trade policy and religious compliance, offering actionable insights for exporters, policymakers, and trade negotiators involved in the halal economy.