Question

Difficulty: EasyCommercial Policy and Trade Barriers (Tariffs, Quotas, Embargoes, and Subsidies)

Governments frequently implement commercial policies to regulate international trade and protect domestic industries. Which of the following trade policy instruments refers to a direct financial grant or tax concession granted by the government to domestic producers to lower their production costs and boost exports?

  1. An export subsidyAnswer
  2. B
    An import quota
  3. C
    A protective tariff
  4. D
    A trade embargo

Answer

An export subsidy is a financial incentive paid by the government to domestic producers to lower production costs and encourage export sales.
An export subsidy is a direct or indirect financial aid (such as cash grants, low-interest loans, or tax relief) paid by the government to domestic producers, allowing them to reduce selling prices and increase competitiveness abroad.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key characteristics of the commercial policy instrument described in the question.
The instrument involves government financial assistance given directly to domestic producers to lower costs and encourage exports.
Commercial policy uses various monetary and quantitative instruments to influence trade flows.
2
Evaluate the choices based on economic definitions of trade barriers.
Tariffs are import taxes, quotas are physical volume limits, embargoes are total trade bans, while subsidies are direct financial payments to domestic producers.
Distinguishing between price-based tax instruments, quantitative restrictions, and direct financial subsidies ensures accurate identification of commercial policy tools.

Key Concept

Export Subsidies and Commercial Policy Instruments
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