Trade tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported or sometimes exported goods. They serve several purposes, such as protecting domestic industries from external competition and generating state revenue. However, they can also lead to disputes in international trade and debates on economic fairness and global justice.
While trade tariffs are often justified as protective measures for domestic industries, they frequently lead to unintended economic distortions. By inflating prices for consumers and provoking retaliatory measures from trade partners, tariffs disrupt global market dynamics and stifle innovation. Rather than fostering genuine competitiveness, relying on tariffs may encourage inefficiency and entrench protected industries, ultimately impeding long-term economic growth and international cooperation.