Is there any disadvantage to a government placing a tariff on imported goods?

Question

Is there any disadvantage to a government placing a tariff on imported goods?

Answer 1

Just some dead-weight loss and higher prices for consumers.

Answer 2

It's pretty straight-forward, but...higher retail prices for those imported goods.  The CONSUMER is the person who really pays the bulk of the tariff.  It's just another tax on the citizenry, for the benefit of domestic special interests.

I'm not saying that all tariffs are bad, but I can't stand the protectionists who whine about imports costing American jobs...as if $25 t-shirts won't have any negative macroeconomic impact!

Answer 3

Of course there are disadvantages.

The tarriff means the goods are more expensive for consumers, which crowds out available cash for other things that could be purchased, reducing the standard of living.