What is a Tariff?
The word ‘Tariff’ is Arabic in origin and it basically means ‘that fees need to be paid’. When we use the word ‘tariff’ in economics we are referring to a tax that is placed on imported goods, but it can apply to exported goods as well. There are a number of good reasons why a tariff might be placed on goods, but there are economists who argue against the use of this type of tax – they see it as interfering in the free market.