A "tariff" refers to a tax or duty that is imposed on imported or exported goods. It is primarily used by governments to regulate trade and protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Tariffs can affect the price of goods, making imported products more expensive, which in turn can influence consumer behavior and promote local manufacturing.
The word "tariff" comes from the late Middle French term "tarif," which was derived from the Arabic word "taʕārīf," meaning "notification" or "inventory." The term evolved over time to reflect the concept of a list of duties payable on goods.