Barriers to Trade

Barriers to trade are obstacles that countries put up to restrict or limit imports and exports. These can include tariffs (taxes on goods), quotas (limits on the amount of a product that can be traded), and regulations that make it harder for foreign products to enter a market. While they can protect local industries or uphold safety standards, they often make goods more expensive and reduce choices for consumers. Essentially, these barriers are tools countries use to control their trade with others, balancing economic interests and protection with global market openness.