FAQ: What Is a Tariff and How Do Tariffs Work?

A tariff is a government-imposed tax on imported goods or services. These duties are often used to regulate international trade, protect domestic industries, and influence economic relationships. While tariffs can generate revenue for governments, they also increase costs for businesses and consumers, often sparking significant shifts in global supply chains. With trade policies evolving quickly, staying informed is critical for supply chain leaders and importers alike. 

A tariff is a tax imposed on goods and services imported from other countries. The main goal is to increase the cost of foreign products, thereby promoting domestic production. Tariffs are typically collected at the border and calculated based on the product’s value or quantity. 

Governments use tariffs to: 

• Protect domestic industries from foreign competition. 

• Generate revenue for national budgets. 

• Negotiate trade deals by applying pressure or incentives. 

• Safeguard strategic sectors, such as defense or agriculture. 

Tariffs are paid by the importer, not the foreign exporter. This cost is often absorbed by businesses or passed on to consumers through increased retail prices. In supply chains, tariffs can create cascading financial effects across sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution stages. 

There are several forms of tariffs, each with unique implications: 

• Ad Valorem Tariffs: Charged as a percentage of the total product value (e.g., 10% on a $1,000 product = $100 tariff). 

• Specific Tariffs: Charged as a fixed amount per unit (e.g., $2 per kilogram of imported steel). 

• Compound Tariffs: Combine both ad valorem and specific tariffs (e.g., 5% of value + $1 per unit). 

These structures affect pricing strategies, budgeting, and margin planning differently, making it critical for businesses to understand how they’re applied in their industry. 

Tariffs are regularly used in key global industries and geopolitical scenarios: 

• U.S.–China Trade Conflict (2025): The U.S. imposed tariffs up to 145% on many Chinese products in April. China responded with 125% duties on U.S. imports. Chinese exports surged over 12% as businesses rushed to beat the new tariffs. 

• Automotive Industry: The U.S. raised tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and auto parts to 25%, increasing production costs and complicating inventory sourcing for North American manufacturers. 

• Music and Retail Sectors: Tariffs on wood and aluminum parts from Asia raised costs for musical instrument makers and importers, causing a ripple effect in pricing and availability for end consumers. 

According to the study Descartes commissioned, 48% of supply chain leaders cite tariffs and trade barriers as one of their top concerns, reinforcing how widespread the impact is across sectors. 

Tariffs don’t operate in a vacuum, their effects are wide-ranging: 

• Rising Costs: Tariffs increase the landed cost of goods, affecting profit margins. 

• Shifting Supply Chains: Companies may re-evaluate sourcing strategies or relocate production to avoid high-duty countries. 

• Consumer Price Inflation: As businesses pass costs downstream, end-users face higher prices, reducing demand in price-sensitive markets. 

• Operational Uncertainty: Fluctuating trade policies make it difficult to forecast expenses or plan long-term strategies. 

The growing complexity of these challenges is why many businesses are prioritizing trade compliance and real-time duty visibility. 

Mitigating tariff exposure requires a proactive, data-driven approach: 

• Diversify Suppliers: Reduce dependency on high-tariff countries by sourcing alternatives. 

• Classify Goods Correctly: Ensure products are properly categorized under Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes to avoid overpaying duties. 

• Leverage Trade Agreements: Utilize free trade zones (FTZs) or preferential agreements when available. 

• Use Technology: Leverage tools that offer up-to-date import duty and tariff data to make faster, smarter decisions. 

For more strategies, explore Import Tariff Mitigation Strategies for Businesses for insights into how companies are responding to evolving U.S. trade measures. 

To navigate the complexities of tariffs and optimize your supply chain strategies, explore Descartes' Duty and Tariff Data solutions. These tools provide accurate import duty and tariff data, enabling businesses to streamline workflows, save time and resources, and minimize legal and financial compliance risks. 

Understanding tariffs is crucial for navigating international trade. By staying informed and proactive, businesses can mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities in a dynamic global market.