Protectionism restricts imports to shield domestic industries Steps:

• Define protectionism as government policies limiting foreign imports to favor local producers.
• Evaluate tariffs: they tax imports, raising prices and protecting domestic goods.
• Evaluate quotas: they cap import quantities, reducing foreign competition.
• Evaluate subsidies: import subsidies aid domestic firms against imports, while export subsidies promote selling abroad.
• Identify the option that boosts exports without restricting imports.

Why B is correct:

• Export subsidies provide payments to domestic exporters to lower costs abroad, promoting trade expansion rather than import barriers, as per WTO trade definitions.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Import subsidies support domestic producers competing with low-cost imports, acting as a protective measure.
• C: Quotas directly limit the volume of goods entering the market, shielding local industries.
• D: Tariffs add taxes to imported products, making them costlier than domestic alternatives.

Final answer: B