Question

A tariff is a special tax that is imposed on imported goods and services to restrict trade and increase the price of imported goods and services. The United States occasionally imposes tariffs in an attempt to persuade Americans to buy American-made goods and services. According to the given information, which of the following is an example of a tariff? (A) Congress imposes a tax on beer that is manufactured in California but sold in New York. (B) Congress increases the price of all gasoline to fund clean energy research. (C) Congress imposes a tax on imported Japanese cars in order to protect domestic car sales. (D) Congress creates a flat-tax rate for all income levels.

Short answer

The correct answer is (C) Congress imposes a tax on imported Japanese cars in order to protect domestic car sales.

Step-by-step solution

Option A Analysis

In this option, a tax is imposed on beer manufactured in California but sold in New York. Since both states are within the United States, this is not a tax on imported goods or services. Therefore this option doesn't represent a tariff.

Option B Analysis

In this option, the price of all gasoline is increased to fund clean energy research. This is a price increase and not a tax on imported goods or services. Moreover, it applies to all gasoline regardless of where it was produced. Therefore, this option doesn't represent a tariff.

Option C Analysis

In this option, Congress imposes a tax on imported Japanese cars in order to protect domestic car sales. This tax is specifically targeting imported cars from another country, which is Japan, with the aim of protecting domestic industries. So, this option represents a tariff.

Option D Analysis

In this option, Congress creates a flat-tax rate for all income levels. This is related to personal income taxes and not a tax on imported goods or services. Therefore, this option doesn't represent a tariff. In conclusion, the correct answer is: (C) Congress imposes a tax on imported Japanese cars in order to protect domestic car sales.

Key concepts

Trade Restrictions

Trade restrictions are tools employed by governments to control the amount and type of goods and services that enter or leave a country. These measures can include tariffs, quotas, import licenses, and subsidies to domestic industries. The idea behind implementing trade restrictions is to limit the supply of imported goods, protect domestic businesses from foreign competition, enhance national security by controlling the trade of sensitive products, and sometimes to retaliate against foreign trade practices deemed unfair.

Restrictions on trade can have various impacts. They can help budding industries grow in a protected environment, preserve jobs in certain sectors, and maintain standards of quality and safety. However, they also can lead to higher prices for consumers, a limited selection of goods, and potentially provoke trade disputes with other countries. In the exercise example, a tariff on imported cars is a form of trade restriction aimed at adjusting the flow of specific foreign goods into a market.

Tax on Imported Goods

A tax imposed on imported goods, commonly known as a tariff, serves as a tool to regulate trade. By increasing the cost of these goods, tariffs make imports less competitive against domestic products, thus providing a level of protection for domestic industries. The exercise illustrates a clear example of such a tax, where Congress decides to tax Japanese cars to shield the domestic car manufacturers from competition.

It's important to understand that tariffs can be specific (a fixed fee based on physical units like per kilogram or item) or ad valorem (a percentage of the goods' value). Both types intend to add an extra cost to the imported item, effectively elevating its price to the end consumer. Though beneficial for domestic producers, it's worth noting that consumers often bear the brunt of these taxes in the form of higher prices.

Protectionism

Protectionism refers to the economic policy of restricting imports from other countries through methods such as tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers. The aim is to protect domestic industries from foreign competition by making imported goods more expensive and encouraging consumers to buy domestically produced items. The exercise mentioned establishes a tariff on imported cars as a means to safeguard American car manufacturers, which is a clear instance of protectionism.

While protectionism can help to nurture domestic industries and preserve jobs, it can also lead to less competition, which may result in higher prices for consumers and potentially less innovation within protected industries. Another risk of protectionist policies is the possibility of triggering trade wars, as countries targeted by tariffs may retaliate, thereby escalating global trade tensions. In studying this concept, it's essential to balance the short-term benefits for certain sectors against long-term implications for the broader economy.