prohibitive tariff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prohibitive tariff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a tariff that is so high that it effectively prevents or restricts imports of certain goods. Example: "The government imposed a prohibitive tariff on foreign steel, making it nearly impossible for international companies to compete in the domestic market."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

At present a prohibitive tariff on US imports effectively prices them out of contention.

The Guardian - Business

The border tax adjustment would amount to a prohibitive tariff of 26% on China's exports and 20% on India's.

The Economist

It retains a prohibitive tariff of 25 percent on imported cars, for example, which helps explain why imports represent only 4 percent of the light vehicles sold in China.

The New York Times

A "prohibitive" tariff was one that was so high, receipts would go up if a rate were lowered.

Forbes

They found that existing illegal markets can act as a prohibitive tariff suppressing the development of legal services.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

A prohibitive tariff not only raised the cost of living; it also required further tax impositions to make up for the lost revenue.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

We do not live in the 1930s; no prohibitive tariffs block trade.

The Washington Post

If the steel industry gets its way, the United States will then impose prohibitive tariffs.

The New York Times

Without these privileges, formally known as most favored nation status, prohibitive tariffs would deter American purchases of Chinese goods.

The New York Times

The Vietnamese, after doing well enough to capture a fair share of the American market, have been declared trade violators deserving permanent, prohibitive tariffs by the United States International Trade Commission.

The New York Times

The United States will end restrictions on Iranian-made carpets -- a law that was widely flouted anyway -- and reduce prohibitive tariffs on pistachios and caviar.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prohibitive tariff", ensure the context clearly indicates the tariff's impact on limiting or preventing trade. Providing specific examples or data can strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid assuming that any high tariff is automatically "prohibitive". A tariff is only truly prohibitive if it effectively halts imports due to its cost. Make sure to evaluate actual trade data to confirm the tariff's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prohibitive tariff" functions as an adjective-noun compound, where "prohibitive" modifies "tariff". It denotes a tariff so high that it effectively prevents imports. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides examples within economic and political contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibitive tariff" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon phrase that describes a tariff so high that it effectively blocks imports. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used in various contexts, primarily in news, business, and academic discussions related to international trade. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the tariff genuinely prevents imports, not just increases their cost. Alternatives like "restrictive tariff" or "excessive tariff" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Excessive tariff

Emphasizes the degree to which the tariff exceeds reasonable levels.

Restrictive tariff

Focuses on the limiting effect the tariff has on trade.

Punitive tariff

Highlights the tariff's intention to penalize specific imports or countries.

Sky-high tariff

Uses a more informal, emphatic way to describe an extremely high tariff.

Unaffordable tariff

Highlights the fact that the tariff makes imported goods too expensive.

Crippling tariff

Emphasizes the severely damaging impact on trade or specific industries.

Insurmountable tariff

Suggests that the tariff presents a barrier that cannot be overcome.

Debilitating tariff

Focuses on the weakening effect of the tariff on the economy or trade relations.

Unreasonable tariff

Suggests the tariff is unfair or lacks justification.

Trade-blocking tariff

Directly states the tariff's effect on preventing trade.

FAQs

What does "prohibitive tariff" mean?

A "prohibitive tariff" is a tax on imported goods set so high that it effectively prevents those goods from being imported, making them too expensive for consumers or businesses to purchase.

What are some synonyms for "prohibitive tariff"?

Alternatives to "prohibitive tariff" include "restrictive tariff", "excessive tariff", or "punitive tariff", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does a "prohibitive tariff" affect trade?

A "prohibitive tariff" significantly reduces or eliminates imports of the targeted goods, as the added cost makes them uncompetitive in the domestic market. This can protect domestic industries but may also raise prices for consumers.

Is every high tariff considered a "prohibitive tariff"?

No, not every high tariff is "prohibitive". A tariff must effectively stop imports to be considered prohibitive. If imports continue despite the high tax, it's simply a high tariff, not necessarily a "prohibitive tariff".