A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods. This means that when products come into a country from another country, the government charges extra money on them. Tariffs are often used to protect local businesses by making foreign products more expensive, encouraging consumers to buy domestically made items instead. For example, if the government places a tariff on steel imported from China, it could help American steel manufacturers compete better in the market. However, tariffs can also lead to higher prices for consumers, as businesses may pass on the extra costs to their customers.