Distinguishing protectionism from general taxes

Steps:

• Define protectionism as government policies restricting imports to shield domestic industries, like tariffs, quotas, or barriers.
• Review choices: A uses standards to limit foreign goods; B raises a broad tax on select imports; C prohibits imports outright; D adds a specific import duty.
• Compare to definition: Options A, C, D directly hinder foreign competition; B applies a neutral consumption tax.
• Conclude B lacks intent to protect domestic producers via trade barriers.

Why B is correct:

• GST is a value-added tax on consumption, applied domestically and to imports without discriminatory trade restriction, per WTO rules on national treatment.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: EU safety standards function as non-tariff barriers, blocking non-compliant imports to favor local producers.
• C: Banning sugar imports is a zero-quota policy, directly protecting domestic agriculture.
• D: 35% tariff on Chinese tires is a classic import duty to reduce foreign competition.

Final answer: B