Introduction
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of tariffs and explain their structure. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, imposed to protect domestic producers from foreign competition. Tariffs are governments’ most common form of non-tariff trade barrier. Tariffs can be calculated in different ways, depending on the country. They can be imposed as ad valorem duties — taxes levied as a percentage of the value of the goods — or specific duties, which are fixed duties that are measured by weight, volume or number. Tariffs may also take the form of countervailing duties (CVDs), which are used to offset subsidized goods imported into a country, or anti-dumping duties, which may be imposed if imported goods are sold below the production cost in their country of origin.
Analysis
Each country has its own system of tariffs. Tariff rates vary from country to country and product to product. Generally, tariffs are designed to protect domestic producers from foreign competition by providing them with a price advantage or discouraging imports by reducing volume. Tariffs are also used to directly raise government revenue or to discourage the importation of certain goods. Tariffs may be imposed in a variety of ways such as ad valorem, specific, CVD’s, and anti-dumping duties.
Ad Valorem
Ad valorem tariffs are taxes imposed on imported goods as a percentage of their value. These taxes are typically applied uniformly across all importers, regardless of the quantity they are importing. The United States imposes the majority of its tariffs through this method. Ad valorem tariffs are the primary means used to protect domestic producers of an item.
Specific
Specific duties are taxes on imported goods that are measured by weight, volume, or number. Unlike ad valorem tariffs, specific duties are less affected by changes in exchange rates. Specific tariffsare typically used when there is a concern that imported goods are substituting domestic imports.
Countervailing Duties
Countervailing duties (CVDs) are taxes imposed to offset subsidies that are provided to domestic producers in other countries. The purpose of a CVD is not to raise revenues for the government, but rather to level the playing field between domestic producers and foreign producers by counteracting the advantage created by subsidies. CVDs are typically imposed in order to protect domestic producers from foreign competition.
Anti-dumping Duties
Anti-dumping duties are taxes imposed when it’s determined that a foreign producer is selling their goods below the production cost in their domestic market or below the price at which similar goods are sold in their domestic market. The purpose of an anti-dumping duty is to protect domestic producers from predatory pricing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tariffs are taxes on imported goods that are used to protect domestic producers from foreign competitors. Tariffs can take many forms, such as ad valorem, specific, countervailing and anti-dumping duties. The rate of tariff differs among countries and products. Tariffs are an important tool used by governments to protect their domestic industries and raise revenue. Understanding the structure and function of tariffs is vital to developing effective trade policies.