Protection Graphs

Expert reviewed 14 August 2024 3 minute read


Tariff Diagram

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The implementation of a tariff raises the price from PwP_w to Pw+tP_{w+t}. At this higher price, domestic production increases from Q1Q_1 to Q2Q_2 as more local producers can supply the good profitably. Simultaneously, the quantity demanded by consumers falls from Q3Q_3 to Q4Q_4 due to the higher price. This reduces imports from (Q3Q1)(Q_3-Q_1) to (Q4Q2)(Q_4-Q_2). The government collects tariff revenue, represented by the shaded rectangle, equal to (Pw+tPw)×(Q4Q2)(P_{w+t}-P_w)\times(Q_4-Q_2). This revenue is essentially a transfer from consumers to the government. The tariff results in increased domestic production, decreased consumption, reduced imports, and generates government revenue, but also leads to higher prices for consumers.

Import Quota Diagram

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The implementation of an import quota restricts imports to (Q3Q1)(Q_3-Q_1). This creates scarcity in the market, leading to excess demand. As a result, the domestic price rises from PwP_w to P+quotaP_{+quota}. The quota effectively shifts the supply curve to Sdom+quotaS_{dom+quota}. The quota thus achieves its goal of limiting imports and supporting domestic producers, but at the cost of higher prices for consumers and reduced overall consumption.

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