What are tariffs primarily intended to achieve?

Tariffs are primarily intended to achieve the protection of domestic industries. By imposing tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods, a government increases the cost of foreign products compared to local ones. This can make domestic products more competitive in terms of pricing and can encourage consumers to purchase locally made goods. As a result, tariffs can help safeguard jobs and support businesses within the country by reducing foreign competition.

The other options do not fully capture the primary purpose of tariffs. For instance, increasing foreign trade contradicts the intention behind tariffs, as these taxes typically reduce the volume of imports rather than promote trade. Similarly, while tariffs might unintentionally encourage some level of competition by pushing domestic firms to innovate or cut costs, their main function is protective. Lastly, tariffs generally do not lower consumer prices; on the contrary, they can lead to higher prices for imported goods, which might be passed on to consumers. Therefore, the primary goal of implementing tariffs is to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.