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What is a tariff? A quick guide

Tariffs play a key role in US President Donald Trump’s economic strategy and diplomatic moves. But who truly benefits, and who pays the price? This video offers a quick overview of various tariffs and their impact on prices.

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Multimedia journalist reporting for the International Geneva beat and supporting editorial quality control in the English department. Swiss-Chilean multimedia journalist with two decades of reporting experience in the US, Europe and the Middle East, with occasional assignments in South America and Africa. I enjoy investigative and long-form stories, and have also worked in breaking news and every format in between.

My work is focused on making videos and podcasts about science and technology topics. I specialize in developing explainatory video formats for mobile viewing, mixing animation and documentary styles. I studied filmmaking and animation at Zurich University of the Arts and began working as a video journalist at SWI swissinfo.ch in 2004. Since then I have specialised in creating different styles of animation for our visual products.

What is a tariff? Tariffs are taxes governments impose on imported goods and servicesExternal link, rendering foreign products more expensive than domestically produced alternatives.

These customs duties can be used to protect domestic industries from foreign competition, raise government revenue, or address trade imbalances. Tariffs can also be used for diplomatic leverage.

Edited by Virginie Mangin

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