In the context of international trade, what does "tariff" refer to?

A tariff is indeed a tax imposed on imported goods, and it plays a significant role in international trade. Its primary purpose is to protect domestic industries by making imported goods more expensive. This price increase can encourage consumers to purchase domestically produced goods instead, thereby supporting local businesses and jobs.

Tariffs can also generate revenue for the government. They have been used historically and in modern times as a tool for trade policy, influencing the balance of trade between countries. By imposing tariffs, a government can respond to unfair competition, trade imbalances, or the desire to promote certain industries within its borders.

While the other options represent different mechanisms within international trade, they do not capture the essence of what a tariff is. Subsidies for exporters, product safety regulations, and shipping fees pertain to other aspects of trade management and strategy, but they do not describe the specific function and purpose of tariffs.