protective tariff

noun

: a tariff intended primarily to protect domestic producers rather than to yield revenue

Examples of protective tariff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Correspondent Seth Doane looks at how China's long-term investments in innovation are paying off in EVs – and how protective tariffs may end up hurting American automakers down the road. David Morgan, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 The 1880s and 1890s were characterized by debates over economic policies, primarily the protective tariff. Adam M. Silver, The Conversation, 22 Apr. 2025 The protective tariff also facilitated corporate consolidations. Made By History, Time, 16 Apr. 2025 Developed in the early 19th century, Clay’s vision centered on protective tariffs, a strong national banking system, infrastructure development and the responsible use of natural resources. Tim Overton, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protective tariff was in 1838

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Cite this Entry

“Protective tariff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protective%20tariff. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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