An export tax is a fee imposed by a government on goods that are sold and shipped out of the country. This tax is designed to generate revenue for the government and can also be used to control the supply of certain products in the international market. By increasing the cost of exporting, governments may encourage local consumption of these goods. Countries may apply export taxes on specific items, such as raw materials or agricultural products, to protect domestic industries or ensure that local markets have sufficient supply. The rates and regulations for export taxes can vary widely between different nations and products.