Final answer:
Trade barriers, such as tariffs, quotas, subsidies, and embargoes, prevent international trade by imposing restrictions on the flow of goods and services between countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Trade barriers are government-imposed measures that restrict the flow of goods and services across borders. They can prevent international trade between countries in several ways:
- Tariffs: These are taxes imposed on imported goods. They increase the price of foreign products, making them less competitive with domestic goods. This can discourage imports and protect domestic industries.
- Quotas: These are limits on the quantity of goods that can be imported into a country. By restricting the quantity, countries can protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
- Subsidies: These are financial assistance given to domestic industries, making them more competitive than foreign industries. By providing subsidies, countries can support their own industries, discouraging imports.
- Embargoes: These are complete bans on trade with a specific country. They can be implemented for political or security reasons, restricting all trade between the two countries.
Overall, trade barriers aim to protect domestic industries and promote national economic interests. However, they can also limit the benefits of international trade, such as access to a wider range of goods, lower prices, and economic growth.