by Merch C.
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on goods and services being imported or exported. These taxes can regulate trade, protect domestic industries, and generate government revenue.
Specific Tariff : A fixed fee for each unit of the item (e.g., $5 per liter of imported wine).
Ad Valorem Tariff : A percentage of the item's value (e.g., 15% of the import price of electronics).
Compound Tariff : A combination of specific and ad valorem tariffs.
Protective Tariff : Designed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition.
Revenue Tariff : Imposed primarily to raise funds for the government.
Protect Domestic Industries : By taxing imports, local products become more competitively priced.
Generate Revenue : Tariffs act as an additional source of income for the government.
Regulate Trade : Tariffs can control the volume of imports or exports in certain sectors.
Retaliation : Tariffs might be imposed as a response to perceived unfair trade practices by other countries.
Positive Effects :
Stimulates local economy by encouraging consumers to buy domestic goods.
Protects jobs in domestic industries.
Negative Effects :
Increases consumer prices for imported goods.
Can lead to trade wars and retaliation from other countries.
May result in reduced selection and innovation.
Tariffs are governed by international agreements such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), which establishes rules and dispute mechanisms.
Trade agreements like the EU Customs Union, NAFTA, and ASEAN help reduce tariffs among member countries
MFN Tariff (Most Favored Nation) : Countries offer preferential tariff rates to trading partners they’ve granted this status under WTO rules.
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) : Lower tariff rates are offered by developed countries to developing nations for certain goods to encourage economic growth.
Steel Tariffs : In 2018, the U.S. imposed tariffs on imported steel to protect its domestic industry. This boosted local production but increased costs for industries relying on steel.
Banana Wars: A trade dispute between the EU and Latin American countries over tariffs on banana imports in the 1990s. It escalated into a long-standing disagreement.
Resources for More Information :
WTO Tariff and Trade Data : Detailed insights into tariffs globally.
JETRO WorldTariff : Japan-specific information about tariffs.
USITC Harmonized Tariff System : Classification and tariff details.
Posted : 23 March 2025
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