Background
A prohibitive tariff is a trade policy instrument that involves setting an extraordinarily high tax or duty on imports of a specific good. The primary aim is to discourage the importation of that good to the point where no trade occurs, effectively acting as a barrier to entry and protecting domestic industries from foreign competition.
Historical Context
Historically, prohibitive tariffs have been employed for various reasons, from protecting nascent domestic industries to retaliatory trade measures. During mercantilist periods, countries used such tariffs extensively to bolster local economies. Over time, with the advent of global trade organizations and free-trade agreements, the use of overtly prohibitive tariffs has declined, though they still surface in specific contexts.
Definitions and Concepts
- Prohibitive Tariff: A tariff rate so high that it effectively stops any trade of the specified good.
- Tariff: A tax imposed on imports or exports.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economists, such as Adam Smith and David Ricardo, generally advocated for limited barriers to trade, arguing that open markets lead to wealth creation through comparative advantage. Prohibitive tariffs would be seen as detrimental to economic efficiency and growth.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical economics maintains that market forces should determine trade flows. High tariffs resulting in zero trade are viewed as distortions that lead to suboptimal resource allocation and welfare losses.
Keynesian Economics
Under Keynesian economics, the focus might be on the impact of prohibitive tariffs on aggregate demand and employment. While in some contexts protecting local jobs can be justified, the long-term inefficiencies and potential for retaliatory trade wars make prohibitive tariffs an unreliable tool.
Marxian Economics
From a Marxian perspective, prohibitive tariffs can be analyzed in terms of class interests and state power. They might be seen as tools used by the state to protect capitalist interests or certain segments of the local bourgeoisie.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economics would examine the role of prohibitive tariffs within the larger framework of governmental and bureaucratic structures. The impact on local and international institutions would be a focal area of study.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economics might explore how perceptions and irrational behavior affect the implementation and acceptance of prohibitive tariffs. Public opinion and lobbying efforts could be scrutinized to understand their role in shaping trade policy.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesian economists would likely be concerned with the economic environment and the long-term consequences such as industrial structure and wage levels. The historical and institutional specifics leading countries to impose prohibitive tariffs would also be explored.
Austrian Economics
Austrian economists would unwaveringly criticize prohibitive tariffs as unnecessary barriers that impede free-market functions and disrupt the price mechanism, leading to inefficiencies and economic loss.
Development Economics
Development economists might defend the use of prohibitive tariffs as a temporary measure to protect emerging industries in developing countries—often referred to as the “infant industry” argument.
Monetarism
Monetarists would view prohibitive tariffs as interventions that distort the natural flow of money across borders, potentially leading to inefficiencies.
Comparative Analysis
Understanding prohibitive tariffs requires comparing the circumstances in different countries. Examples of their implementation, purpose, and outcomes can highlight varied impacts across different economic environments and policy frameworks.
Case Studies
- United States Smoot-Hawley Tariff (1930) - Example of high tariffs during the Great Depression; it had broad consequences on international trade.
- Post-WWII Japanese Trade Policies - Phased use of high tariffs to protect emerging industries while rebuilding the economy.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith
- “Economics” by Paul Samuelson and William Nordhaus
- “Poor Economics” by Abhijit Banerjee and Esther Duflo
- “Globalization and Its Discontents” by Joseph Stiglitz
Related Terms with Definitions
- Ad Valorem Tariff: A tariff based on a percentage of the value of the goods.
- Specific Tariff: A tariff charged as a fixed fee per unit of goods imported.
- Safeguard Measures: Temporary restrictions applied to curb unfair trade practices and protect domestic industries.
