tariff
This term carries a strong association with international trade and geopolitical strategy. In a political context, it is often framed as a tool for protectionism, used to shield domestic industries from foreign competition by making imports more expensive.
In the context of utilities or telecommunications, the word shifts from a government-imposed tax to a commercial price list. This usage is particularly common in British English to describe the tiered pricing structures of mobile phone or energy contracts.
Meanings
A tax or duty to be paid on a particular class of imports or exports.
The government imposed a high tariff on imported steel to protect local manufacturers.
Examples
The government imposed a high tariff on imported steel.
The railway company published a new tariff for freight shipments.
The administration decided to tariff luxury goods to increase revenue.