What is an import tariff?

An import tariff refers specifically to a tax levied on goods that are brought into a country from abroad. This kind of tax is intended to increase the cost of foreign goods, making domestically produced items more competitive in terms of pricing. By imposing an import tariff, governments are able to regulate the volume of imports, protect local industries from foreign competition, and generate revenue for the state.

In contrast, other options relate to different aspects of trade and taxation. A tax on services provided by foreign companies is not an import tariff, as it pertains to services rather than physical goods. A tax on exports does not fit the definition of an import tariff, as it focuses on goods leaving the country rather than those entering it. Lastly, a fee for international shipping is related to logistics and transportation costs rather than a government tax on imported goods. Thus, the accurate characterization of an import tariff is that it applies specifically to physical goods entering a country, aligning with the correct answer.