The Tariff Act of 1930

The Tariff Act of 1930, also known as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, was a law that significantly increased taxes on imported goods into the United States. Its primary goal was to protect American industries from foreign competition by making imported products more expensive. However, the high tariffs led to international trade tensions, reduced global trade, and contributed to the economic downturn during the Great Depression. The act reflected a shift toward protectionism and had lasting impacts on global economic relations.