Actually, no they are not protecting their industries if they impose tariffs long term. They are denying their consumers their best choice and hurting their economy by forcing higher prices. In the long run , they are hurting themselves which is why his kind of nonsense doesn’t last very long with any country that wants to be a true contender in the marketplace.
But the fact is that these nations are protecting their industries from competition and imposing taxes on our exports.
They are also subsidizing their imports to us.
Since these are supported by their governments, they can continue to do this for quite a while.