Tariffs: what they are and where to find them

Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods. They may be used for a number of purposes, including protecting domestic industries, generating government revenue, retaliating against perceived unfair trade practices, and correcting trade imbalances.

Where they apply, such taxes must be paid by companies bringing foreign goods into the jurisdiction in question. Tariffs can vary based on factors such as the type of goods, their country of origin, and any relevant trade agreements.

There are three main types of tariff: ad valorem (stated as a fixed percentage of the item's value), specific (stated as a fixed fee per unit), and compound (a combination of both). Ad valorem tariffs are the most common.

In some cases, tariffs are imposed on a reciprocal basis, whereby a country levies duties on imports that match the tariffs imposed by other countries on its exports.

The range of new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump during 2025 has led to an increased focus on import taxes and their effects.

There are various online portals through which information on tariffs may be accessed.

However, it is important to note that where tariffs are subject to change, it may take some time for these sources to be updated to reflect the current situation.

Databases and publications bringing together information on tariffs from across a wide range of jurisdictions include:

• Tariff & Trade Data (World Trade Organization)
  

  Database containing official tariff and import data for more than 150 economies.

• Market Access Conditions (International Trade Centre)
  

  Portal allowing users to access, compare, analyse and download customs tariffs and other measures applicable to a specific good in any market in the world.

• World Tariff Profiles (WTO / ITC / UNCTAD)
  

  Publication providing information on tariffs and non-tariff measures imposed by over 170 countries and customs territories.

In addition to the above sources, many countries and other jurisdictions have their own dedicated online information portals, through which they provide information on relevant tariffs. A list of many national tariff portals is maintained by the World Customs Organization.

Some examples include:

• Trade Tariff (UK)
  

  Online service for checking if there’s duty to pay on goods you’re importing into or exporting from the UK.

• Harmonized Tariff Schedule (US)
  

  Sets out the tariff rates and statistical categories for all goods imported into the United States.

• TARIC (EU)
  

  Multilingual database containing information on tariffs and related measures which may apply when importing into or exporting from the EU.

Tariffs can have significant economic effects, though the nature and extent of their impact is likely to vary depending on the context.

One common effect is an increase in the prices of imported goods, as companies pass on the extra costs to their customers. This may lead to an increase in overall inflation, or to job losses in industries reliant on imported materials, for example.

On the other hand, some domestic industries might benefit from the imposition of tariffs, as they are shielded from foreign competition.

Other possible impacts of tariffs include reduced or diverted trade volumes, supply chain disruptions, and changes in consumer behaviour.

It can be difficult to predict and to measure the precise economic effects of tariffs. This can create uncertainty for businesses, affecting investment decisions and long-term planning.

However, there are various sources of information which can help you to gauge their potential and actual impacts. These include both global economic surveys — for example those published by the IMF, World Bank, and OECD — and country-specific publications such as HM Treasury's monthly summary of forecasts for the UK economy. Data on the effects of US tariffs on consumer prices can be accessed via the HBS Pricing Lab's Tariff Tracker.

For the latest ICAEW commentary on the economy, including the impact of tariffs, please see our economy and business environment hub page.