What is a government-imposed charge on imported goods called?

A government-imposed charge on imported goods is called a tariff. Tariffs are taxes placed on goods that are brought into a country from abroad, and they serve multiple purposes. Primarily, they are implemented to generate revenue for the government and to protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive than locally produced items. This creates a cost advantage for domestic manufacturers, which can lead to increased sales and preservation of local jobs.

Tariffs can also influence trade balances and are a common tool in trade policy negotiations. They affect consumer choices and can lead to higher prices for imported products, as the cost of the tariff is typically passed on to consumers. In contrast, sanctions are measures taken to restrict trade or financial transactions with certain countries, quotas limit the quantity of goods that can be imported, and restrictions refer more broadly to any limitations placed on trade, which may not necessarily involve charges. Each of these concepts plays a role in international trade, but a tariff specifically refers to the tax charged on imports.