A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on foreign-made goods that are imported into the country. This tax is usually paid by the importer to their home country's government. The main purpose of tariffs is to make imported goods more expensive, thereby encouraging consumers to buy domestically produced products instead. Tariffs can serve several goals:

• They provide revenue for the government.
• They protect domestic industries from foreign competition by making imported goods more costly.
• They can be used to retaliate against unfair trade practices by other countries.
• They may act as a political tool in trade negotiations.

There are different types of tariffs, such as:

• Ad valorem tariffs, which are a fixed percentage of the import's value.
• Specific tariffs, which are a fixed amount charged per unit of the imported good (e.g., $2 per shirt).

While tariffs can shield domestic industries and generate government revenue, economists generally agree that they lead to higher prices for consumers and may reduce overall trade. Tariffs are often controversial because they can disrupt international trade and lead to retaliatory measures from other countries. In summary, tariffs are taxes on imports designed to protect domestic industries, raise government income, and sometimes to exert political influence over trading partners. However, they tend to raise prices for consumers and can have broader economic downsides.