Final answer:
The correct answer is that consumers are the main beneficiaries of trade but become the victims of tariffs, which lead to higher prices and limited choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Consumers are the main beneficiaries of trade, which also makes them the primary victim of tariffs. Trade policies such as tariffs increase the price of imported goods, thereby encouraging domestic consumption of home-grown industries. While this may benefit certain domestic producers who are shielded from foreign competition, it effectively raises prices for consumers. The protectionist measures support domestic industries but also lead to a decrease in the welfare of consumers as they face higher prices and less choice. These actions may lead to a trade war with other countries, resulting in a further increase in prices and reduced export opportunities for domestic producers.