Protective tariffs can be defined as taxes that are imposed on imported goods with the objective of protecting domestic industries from foreign competition. There are several synonyms for the term protective tariff. Some of these include import duties, customs tariffs, trade barriers, trade levies, and excise taxes. The use of protective tariffs has been a contentious issue throughout history and has been employed by governments around the world to protect their own industries. Opposition to protective tariffs is often rooted in the belief that they can lead to inflation and ultimately harm consumers. Despite this opposition, many countries continue to employ protective tariffs as a means of supporting their own industries.