tullikiintiö

Tullikiintiö, often translated as "tariff quota," is a trade policy measure that allows a specified quantity of a particular good to be imported into a country at a lower tariff rate during a certain period. Once this quota is filled, any further imports of that good are subject to a higher, often prohibitive, tariff rate. This mechanism is used by governments to manage imports, protect domestic industries, or ensure sufficient supply of certain goods.

The purpose of a tullikiintiö can vary. For example, it can be used to protect nascent domestic industries from excessive foreign competition by limiting the amount of cheaper imports that can enter at a low duty. Alternatively, it can be employed to ensure the availability of essential goods, such as agricultural products, during periods of domestic shortage, by allowing a certain volume to be imported at favorable rates. It can also be a tool for international trade negotiations, used as a concession to trading partners.

Implementing a tullikiintiö requires a clear definition of the good, the quantity allowed under the lower tariff, the duration of the quota, and the higher tariff rate applied thereafter. Management of these quotas can be done through various systems, such as first-come, first-served, auctioning of quota licenses, or allocating them based on historical import volumes or other criteria. The effectiveness and fairness of tullikiintiöt are subjects of ongoing debate in international trade economics.