[central_va]

Tariffs can have several benefits, depending on the context and how they are implemented. Here are a few key advantages:

1. Protecting Domestic Industries: Tariffs can help protect local industries from foreign competition by making imported goods more expensive. This can give domestic companies a better chance to grow and thrive.
2. Generating Government Revenue: Tariffs can be a source of revenue for governments. The money collected from tariffs can be used to fund public services and infrastructure projects.
3. Reducing Trade Deficits: By making imported goods more expensive, tariffs can encourage consumers to buy domestic products, which can help reduce a country's trade deficit.
4. Encouraging Fair Trade Practices: Tariffs can be used as a tool to encourage fair trade practices by penalizing countries that engage in unfair trade practices, such as dumping products at below-market prices or providing excessive subsidies to their industries.
5. Protecting National Security: In some cases, tariffs can be used to protect industries that are vital to national security, such as defense and technology sectors.

[Miami Rebel]

All of these might be true, but the fact is that trade disruption necessarily reduces domestic industrial activity and job creation.

As to “generating government revenue,” that revenue generation is offset by higher costs to the consumer.