<p>It depends on the importing country or bloc (X), and the country the import is coming from (Y), and the product category (Z).</p>

<p>If X is not a WTO member, and is not party to a trade agreement with Y, then tariffs can be set unilaterally.</p>

<p>If X is a WTO member (and has bound Z) or has signed a preferential trade agreement with Y that covers Z, then the tariff can be set unilaterally within (multilateral, bilateral or regionally agreed) limits.</p>

<p>If X is part of a free-trade agreement (or customs union) with Y that covers Z, then X is constrained to allow duty-free import.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2018-11-29T15:58:44.250Z
2018-11-29T15:58:44.250Z
Dan
<p>Is it correct to say that import tariffs are unilaterally decided by the nation or bloc applying the tariff?</p>

<international-trade><tariffs>
Is it correct to say that import tariffs are unilateral?
52d6c6af
# Is it correct to say that import tariffs are unilateral?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-09-25)

Is it correct to say that import tariffs are unilaterally decided by the nation or bloc applying the tariff?

**Tags:** international-trade, tariffs


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-11-29. Score: 1

It depends on the importing country or bloc (X), and the country the import is coming from (Y), and the product category (Z).

If X is not a WTO member, and is not party to a trade agreement with Y, then tariffs can be set unilaterally.

If X is a WTO member (and has bound Z) or has signed a preferential trade agreement with Y that covers Z, then the tariff can be set unilaterally within (multilateral, bilateral or regionally agreed) limits.

If X is part of a free-trade agreement (or customs union) with Y that covers Z, then X is constrained to allow duty-free import.


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