ABSTRACT
In our personal experiences, we encounter tariffs as international travelers. Our attempts to bring foreign purchases home define us as importers. It is mandatory at every port: declare what you are bringing into the country and tariffs will be assessed, if applicable. 1 What the traveler does not see in these small and infrequent encounters is the backdrop against which tariffs evolve and their far-reaching implications for commerce. Tariffs on international trade emerge from a myriad of factors involving economic development, fiscal policy, industrial policy, cultural anxieties, foreign policy, and national security considerations. Politically, tariffs are fair game for the various groups in society attempting to protect their interests or gain advantages for their constituents.
