What is Tariffs and Trade Barriers?
Historical Background
Key Points
19 points- 1.
Types of Tariffs:
- 2.
- Ad Valorem Tariffs: A percentage of the value of the imported good (e.g., 10% of car value).
- 3.
- Specific Tariffs: A fixed sum per unit of the imported good (e.g., $10 per barrel of oil).
- 4.
- Compound Tariffs: A combination of ad valorem and specific tariffs.
- 5.
- Revenue Tariffs: Imposed to generate government revenue.
- 6.
- Protective Tariffs: Imposed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
- 7.
Impact of Tariffs:
- 8.
- Higher Prices: For consumers, as import costs increase.
- 9.
- Reduced Imports: Making domestic goods more competitive.
- 10.
- Government Revenue: Direct income for the government.
- 11.
- Retaliation: Can lead to trade wars if other countries impose their own tariffs.
- 12.
- Inefficiency: Can protect inefficient domestic industries.
- 13.
Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs):
- 14.
- Quotas: Limits on the quantity of goods that can be imported.
- 15.
- Import Licenses: Government permission required to import goods.
- 16.
- Subsidies: Government payments to domestic producers, making them more competitive.
- 17.
- Local Content Requirements: Mandating a certain percentage of a product's value to be produced domestically.
- 18.
- Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT): Regulations, standards, testing, and certification procedures.
- 19.
- Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures: Health and safety standards for food, animals, and plants.
Recent Developments
5 developmentsGlobal trend of rising protectionism and trade wars (e.g., US-China).
Increased use of NTBs as tariffs have generally declined under WTO.
India's policy of "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) involves strategic use of tariffs and non-tariff measures to boost domestic manufacturing.
FTAs aim to reduce both tariff and non-tariff barriers among member countries.
Focus on supply chain resilience and diversification has led some countries to reconsider their trade barrier policies.
This Concept in News
3 topicsIndia, US to finalize trade legal text, address tariff issues
17 Feb 2026This news highlights the practical application of tariffs and trade barriers in international relations. The fact that India and the US are negotiating to address tariff issues demonstrates that these barriers can be a source of friction between countries. The news also reveals the importance of carefully examining the legal text of trade agreements to safeguard national interests. This news event applies the concept of tariffs in practice by showing how countries attempt to resolve trade disputes through negotiation and compromise. The implications of this news for the concept's future are that it underscores the ongoing need for countries to manage their trade relations effectively to avoid trade wars and promote economic growth. Understanding tariffs and trade barriers is crucial for properly analyzing and answering questions about this news because it provides the context for understanding the issues at stake and the potential outcomes of the negotiations.
India and U.S. Reach Trade Deal Framework
8 Feb 2026This news highlights the ongoing efforts to reduce trade barriers and promote bilateral trade between India and the U.S. The agreement demonstrates how countries can negotiate to lower tariffs and increase trade flows. It applies the concept of reducing protectionism to foster economic cooperation. The news reveals that even with global trends towards free trade, specific tariffs and trade barriers remain important tools for countries to manage their trade relationships. The implications of this news are that it could lead to increased trade between the two countries, benefiting businesses and consumers. Understanding tariffs and trade barriers is crucial for analyzing the potential economic impact of this trade deal and its implications for India's trade policy.
Bhagwat Urges Balanced India-US Trade Amidst Tariff Concerns
8 Feb 2026This news highlights the ongoing tension between free trade and protectionism. Bhagwat's statement implicitly criticizes the potential use of tariffs as a tool for coercion in trade negotiations. It demonstrates how tariffs, even when not explicitly implemented, can be a source of concern and influence diplomatic discussions. The news applies the concept of trade barriers in practice by showing how the *threat* of tariffs can affect international relations. It reveals that even the perception of unfair trade practices can lead to calls for a more balanced approach. Understanding tariffs and trade barriers is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides the context for understanding the potential implications of trade policies on the India-US relationship. It also allows for a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of international trade negotiations and the importance of maintaining a level playing field.
