What is a common barrier to international trade?

Tariffs and quotas are indeed a significant barrier to international trade. Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods, making them more expensive and less competitive compared to local products. This can lead to a decrease in the volume of imports, which impacts the global supply chain and can raise prices for consumers in the importing country.

Quotas, on the other hand, are limits set on the quantity of a specific good that can be imported during a given timeframe. By restricting supply, quotas protect domestic industries from foreign competition but also limit consumer choice and can lead to higher prices.

Both tariffs and quotas can distort the market, hinder free trade, and lead to trade disputes between countries. Their primary purpose is often to protect local industries and jobs, but they can also reduce the overall efficiency of international trade by creating barriers that discourage importation and competition.