Innflutningskvóta

Innflutningskvóta refers to a restriction placed on the quantity of a specific good or service that can be imported into a country during a given period. This is a form of trade protectionism, designed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. Quotas can be set in terms of physical units (e.g., tons of sugar) or in terms of value (e.g., dollar amount of textiles).

Governments typically implement import quotas to achieve several objectives. One primary goal is to support nascent domestic industries by limiting the influx of cheaper or more established foreign products. This can allow local businesses time to grow and become competitive. Another reason is to manage the balance of payments, by reducing the outflow of foreign currency needed to pay for imports. Quotas can also be used to respond to specific market disruptions or to ensure national security by controlling the import of certain sensitive goods.

The economic impact of import quotas is multifaceted. While they can benefit domestic producers by ensuring a market for their goods and potentially leading to higher prices for consumers, they can also lead to inefficiencies. Foreign producers may be forced to sell at higher prices or find alternative markets. Consumers often face higher prices and a reduced variety of goods. Furthermore, quotas can sometimes lead to corruption or rent-seeking behavior as importers vie for the limited import licenses. The World Trade Organization (WTO) generally discourages the use of quotas, preferring other forms of trade liberalization.