revenue tariff: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal; Technical (Economics, Trade)
Quick answer
What does “revenue tariff” mean?
A tax imposed on imports primarily to generate government income rather than to protect domestic industries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tax imposed on imports primarily to generate government income rather than to protect domestic industries.
A type of customs duty levied by a government to provide a source of public funds, rather than to discourage imports or make imported goods more expensive compared to domestic ones. Historically, this was a primary source of government funding before income taxes became common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or application. The term is used in both economic and historical contexts in the UK and US.
Connotations
Neutral technical term. May carry a historical connotation, as revenue tariffs were more common in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Most likely to be encountered in academic or policy discussions on trade.
Grammar
How to Use “revenue tariff” in a Sentence
The government [verb: imposed, levied, collected] a revenue tariff on [imported goods].A revenue tariff was [verb: introduced, abolished, raised] to fund [public service].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “revenue tariff” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The revenue-tariff argument was central to the budget debate.
- They analysed historical revenue-tariff policies.
American English
- The revenue-tariff argument was central to the budget debate.
- They analyzed historical revenue-tariff policies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in relation to the cost structure of imported raw materials and its impact on profit margins.
Academic
A key term in international trade theory, economic history, and political economy for classifying trade policies.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. Might appear in news articles about historical trade policies.
Technical
Precisely defined in economics and trade law to distinguish the intent (revenue generation) from other tariff types.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “revenue tariff”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “revenue tariff”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “revenue tariff”
- Using it interchangeably with all import taxes. Not all tariffs are for revenue; some are for protection.
- Confusing 'revenue' with 'profit'. Revenue here means government income, not corporate profit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Intent. A revenue tariff aims to raise government funds, often on goods not produced domestically. A protective tariff aims to make foreign goods more expensive to protect domestic industries from competition.
Yes, but they are less common as a primary revenue source. Modern tariffs often mix revenue and protectionist goals, or are used for strategic/retaliatory purposes. Many developing countries still use them for significant revenue.
Yes, in practice. While the terms are conceptually distinct, a tariff can simultaneously generate revenue AND protect an industry. Economists classify it based on its primary stated or observed purpose.
No, it's a specialised term used mainly in economics, history, and trade policy. The more common general term is simply 'tariff' or 'import duty.'
A tax imposed on imports primarily to generate government income rather than to protect domestic industries.
Revenue tariff is usually formal; technical (economics, trade) in register.
Revenue tariff: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɛvənjuː ˈtærɪf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɛvəˌnuː ˈtɛrəf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think REVenue = money for the REV (reverend/government). A 'revenue tariff' is like a collection plate for the state, passed around on imported goods.
Conceptual Metaphor
A tariff is a TOOL: a revenue tariff is a MONEY COLLECTOR; a protective tariff is a SHIELD.
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY purpose of a revenue tariff?