Definition

Noun: A government-imposed restriction that limits the free exchange of goods and services between countries. Its primary purpose is to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.

Usage

A "trade barrier" is a singular noun. It refers to a specific measure or a category of measures. * Tariffs and import quotas are classic examples of a trade barrier. * The new subsidy for local farmers acts as a trade barrier for imported produce. * Economists often debate the effectiveness of a trade barrier in the long term.

Examples

• The country imposed a high trade barrier on luxury cars to encourage local manufacturing.
• Negotiations focused on removing the trade barrier that limited textile imports.
• A complex licensing requirement can function as a non-tariff trade barrier.

Advanced Usage

• "to erect/raise a trade barrier": To implement or increase a restriction.
  • The government decided to erect a new trade barrier to protect its nascent solar panel industry.
• "to lower/reduce/remove a trade barrier": To decrease or eliminate a restriction.
  • The agreement's goal is to remove the trade barrier completely within five years.

Variants and Related Words

• Trade Barriers (plural noun): The general term for all such restrictions collectively.
  • The report analyzed the impact of various trade barriers on global supply chains.
• Barrier to trade (noun phrase): A synonymous phrase, often used interchangeably.
  • Excessive paperwork can be a significant barrier to trade.

Synonyms

• Import restriction: A barrier specifically limiting goods coming into a country.
• Protectionist measure: A policy designed to shield domestic industries, often involving a trade barrier.

Related Terms (Contextual)

• Tariff: A tax on imports, which is a common type of trade barrier.
• Quota: A physical limit on the quantity of a good that can be imported, another type of trade barrier.
• Embargo: An official ban on trade, representing an extreme form of trade barrier.

Noun

1. any regulation or policy that restricts international trade