<\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/span><\/h5>\n <\/p>\n
What is a tariff? A tariff is a tax or duty imposed on goods traded between countries.<\/span><\/p>\nBasically, tariffs regulate trade by making foreign products more expensive.<\/span><\/p>\nTypes of Tariffs<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/A-high-angle-view-of-a-shipping-port-full-of-containers-cargo-ships-and-trucks.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The Church places guidelines upon tariffs and free trade.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
There are two basic types of tariffs: Import<\/strong> \u2013 a tax on goods brought into a country and\u00a0Export<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 a tax on goods leaving a country.<\/span><\/p>\n
Tariffs may be used for various purposes: Protective Tariffs<\/strong> are designed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition; Revenue Tariffs<\/strong> are primarily used to generate government income; Retaliatory Tariffs<\/strong> are used in reprisal for imposition of a tariff; Political Tariffs<\/strong> are used primarily as leverage to attain non-economic ends.<\/span><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching and Tariffs<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
The Catholic Church does not address tariffs in detail. She recognizes both the benefits of free trade <\/strong>and the right of nations to regulate their economies<\/strong>.
<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBut her social doctrine provides principles (Human Dignity, Solidarity, Subsidiarity) that can be applied to economic policies like tariffs.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Church \u201ccalls for prudence\u201d (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1906)<\/a> acknowledging that trade be regulated to serve the common good, protect workers, and prevent exploitation and<\/strong> that nations have the right\u2014and duty\u2014to intervene in markets when necessary to ensure economic justice and social stability.<\/span><\/p>\nSo, Are Tariffs Good or Bad?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
It depends.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTariffs can protect national industries and workers and prevent economic exploitation or domination. They generate revenue.<\/span><\/p>\nThey also may lead to inflation and trade wars and\/or economic slowdowns. They can hurt the poor and fuel economic isolationism rather than global cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\nA definitive answer requires prudential judgment – based on the objective facts of each case \u2013 and on internalizing and applying the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.<\/span><\/p>\nTariffs in Light of Catholic Social Teaching<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
No specific papal encyclical or magisterial document directly discusses “tariffs” in a modern economic context.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBut let us look at tariffs through the lens of key Catholic Social Teaching principles as these can help us evaluate specific tariffs:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Common Good<\/strong> \u2013 The Church emphasizes the importance of the common good, which includes ensuring that economic policies benefit society as a whole rather than just a few. (CCC, 1905-1912)<\/a> \u201cThe creation of this wealth must always be at the service of the common good, and not only for the benefit of a few.\u201d (Pope Francis)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTariffs could be viewed in this light if they protect local industries and jobs, but they should not lead to exploitation or unfair trade practices.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPreferential Option for the Poor<\/strong> \u2013 Economic policies should aim to reduce poverty and inequality. Tariffs might be supported if they help maintain jobs in poorer regions or countries but criticized if they lead to higher prices for goods that disproportionately affect the poor. (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 182)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n“In order that international trade be human and moral, social justice requires that it restore to the participants a certain equality of opportunity.” (Pope St. Paul VI, 61)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nUniversal Destination of Goods<\/strong> \u2013 “God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favoring anyone.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 31)<\/a> “All other rights…including the rights of property and free trade, are to be subordinated to this principle.” (Pope St. Paul VI, 22)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nSolidarity<\/strong> \u2013 This principle involves a recognition of the interdependence of all peoples. Tariffs that excessively protect one nation’s economy at the expense of others might be critiqued from this perspective.<\/span><\/p>\nTrade policies should encourage cooperation<\/strong> among nations and tariffs that excessively protect one nation’s economy at the expense of others might be critiqued from this perspective, advocating for a more balanced approach to global trade.<\/span><\/p>\nSubsidiarity<\/strong> \u2013 This principle suggests that decisions should be made at the most local level possible that is effective. In terms of tariffs, this might mean supporting local or national economies where needed but also not unnecessarily centralizing economic power or decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n“[C]ompetition should not be eliminated from trade transactions; but it must be kept within limits so that it operates justly and fairly”. (Pope St. Paul VI, 61)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n“High tariffs imposed by economically developed countries…make it difficult for the products of poor countries to gain a foothold in the markets of rich countries.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 33)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\nTariffs may even be justified but unjust – if they create unnecessary barriers that harm the poor.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nCatholic Social Teaching Calls for Just Trade!<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
The Church promotes justice in economic exchanges. This includes fair wages, just prices, and fair-trade practices, and here both Tariffs and Free Trade<\/strong> could be justified.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhile the Church recognizes that the development of peoples is enhanced by the removal of tariffs she also recognizes that “Free trade can be called just only when it conforms to the demands of social justice”. (Pope St. Paul VI, 59)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nThe key is always \u201cjustice\u201d — “Isn’t it plain to everyone that…justice in international trade would be of great benefit<\/strong> to the developing nations, and that they would produce lasting results?” (Pope St. Paul VI, 61)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nJust trade “concerns first and foremost the wealthier nations…and presents a three-fold obligation: 1) mutual solidarity\u2014the aid that the richer nations must give to developing nations; 2) social justice\u2014the rectification of trade relations between strong and weak nations; 3) universal charity\u2014the effort to build a more humane world community”. (Pope St. Paul VI, 44)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching advocates for a balanced approach to tariffs, one that considers the welfare of all stakeholders, promotes justice in trade, and aligns with broader social justice principles.<\/span><\/p>\nBottom Line<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Catholic Social Teaching does not oppose or support tariffs but insists that trade policies uphold the common good, protect the vulnerable, and encourage international cooperation. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nIndeed, tariffs may even be justified but unjust – if they create unnecessary barriers that harm the poor.<\/span><\/p>\nThe Church challenges policymakers to ensure tariffs and trade laws do not become tools of oppression but instead serve justice and human flourishing.<\/span><\/p>\n“In order that international trade be human and moral, social justice requires that it restore to the participants a certain equality of opportunity.” (Pope St. Paul VI, 61)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_color=”#f2f2f2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ background_color_phone=”#FFFFFF” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_enable_color_phone=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ locked=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_class=”bullets-module” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font_size=”16px” quote_text_color=”#eb7425″ quote_font_size=”17pt” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” max_width=”75%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”20px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
A New Methodology for a New Economy<\/a><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching, Democracy, and Free Markets<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is Capitalism?<\/a><\/p>\nCapitalism vs. Socialism<\/a><\/p>\nWas Jesus a Capitalist?<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is a \u201cJust\u201d Distribution of Wealth?<\/a><\/p>\nGratuitousness: Catholic Social Teaching\u2019s Solution for Capitalism<\/a><\/p>\nThe Role of Profit in Business<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_class=”bullets-module” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font_size=”16px” quote_text_color=”#eb7425″ quote_font_size=”17pt” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” max_width=”75%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”20px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Good, Socially Responsible Business<\/a><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching and Economics by Domingo Bickel<\/a><\/p>\nThe Gig Economy and Rerum Novarum<\/a><\/p>\nThe Problems of Globalization<\/a><\/p>\nInflation and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/p>\nPope Francis \u2013 An Economic Reformer and Provocateur<\/a><\/p>\nMark Carney, Pope Francis, and the Global Economy<\/a><\/p>\nThe \u2018Health of Nations\u2019 in Light of CST and Pope Francis<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/economics\/” button_text=”More About the Church and the Free Market” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n
Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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Basically, tariffs regulate trade by making foreign products more expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n The Church places guidelines upon tariffs and free trade.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n There are two basic types of tariffs: Import<\/strong> \u2013 a tax on goods brought into a country and\u00a0Export<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 a tax on goods leaving a country.<\/span><\/p>\n But her social doctrine provides principles (Human Dignity, Solidarity, Subsidiarity) that can be applied to economic policies like tariffs.<\/span><\/p>\n The Church \u201ccalls for prudence\u201d (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1906)<\/a> acknowledging that trade be regulated to serve the common good, protect workers, and prevent exploitation and<\/strong> that nations have the right\u2014and duty\u2014to intervene in markets when necessary to ensure economic justice and social stability.<\/span><\/p>\n Tariffs can protect national industries and workers and prevent economic exploitation or domination. They generate revenue.<\/span><\/p>\n They also may lead to inflation and trade wars and\/or economic slowdowns. They can hurt the poor and fuel economic isolationism rather than global cooperation.<\/span><\/p>\n A definitive answer requires prudential judgment – based on the objective facts of each case \u2013 and on internalizing and applying the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.<\/span><\/p>\n But let us look at tariffs through the lens of key Catholic Social Teaching principles as these can help us evaluate specific tariffs:<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Common Good<\/strong> \u2013 The Church emphasizes the importance of the common good, which includes ensuring that economic policies benefit society as a whole rather than just a few. (CCC, 1905-1912)<\/a> \u201cThe creation of this wealth must always be at the service of the common good, and not only for the benefit of a few.\u201d (Pope Francis)<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Tariffs could be viewed in this light if they protect local industries and jobs, but they should not lead to exploitation or unfair trade practices.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Preferential Option for the Poor<\/strong> \u2013 Economic policies should aim to reduce poverty and inequality. Tariffs might be supported if they help maintain jobs in poorer regions or countries but criticized if they lead to higher prices for goods that disproportionately affect the poor. (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, 182)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n “In order that international trade be human and moral, social justice requires that it restore to the participants a certain equality of opportunity.” (Pope St. Paul VI, 61)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Universal Destination of Goods<\/strong> \u2013 “God gave the earth to the whole human race for the sustenance of all its members, without excluding or favoring anyone.” (Pope St. John Paul II, 31)<\/a> “All other rights…including the rights of property and free trade, are to be subordinated to this principle.” (Pope St. Paul VI, 22)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Solidarity<\/strong> \u2013 This principle involves a recognition of the interdependence of all peoples. Tariffs that excessively protect one nation’s economy at the expense of others might be critiqued from this perspective.<\/span><\/p>\n Trade policies should encourage cooperation<\/strong> among nations and tariffs that excessively protect one nation’s economy at the expense of others might be critiqued from this perspective, advocating for a more balanced approach to global trade.<\/span><\/p>\n Subsidiarity<\/strong> \u2013 This principle suggests that decisions should be made at the most local level possible that is effective. In terms of tariffs, this might mean supporting local or national economies where needed but also not unnecessarily centralizing economic power or decisions.<\/span><\/p>\n “[C]ompetition should not be eliminated from trade transactions; but it must be kept within limits so that it operates justly and fairly”. (Pope St. Paul VI, 61)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n “High tariffs imposed by economically developed countries…make it difficult for the products of poor countries to gain a foothold in the markets of rich countries.” (Pope Benedict XVI, 33)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Tariffs may even be justified but unjust – if they create unnecessary barriers that harm the poor.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n While the Church recognizes that the development of peoples is enhanced by the removal of tariffs she also recognizes that “Free trade can be called just only when it conforms to the demands of social justice”. (Pope St. Paul VI, 59)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n The key is always \u201cjustice\u201d — “Isn’t it plain to everyone that…justice in international trade would be of great benefit<\/strong> to the developing nations, and that they would produce lasting results?” (Pope St. Paul VI, 61)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Just trade “concerns first and foremost the wealthier nations…and presents a three-fold obligation: 1) mutual solidarity\u2014the aid that the richer nations must give to developing nations; 2) social justice\u2014the rectification of trade relations between strong and weak nations; 3) universal charity\u2014the effort to build a more humane world community”. (Pope St. Paul VI, 44)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching advocates for a balanced approach to tariffs, one that considers the welfare of all stakeholders, promotes justice in trade, and aligns with broader social justice principles.<\/span><\/p>\n Indeed, tariffs may even be justified but unjust – if they create unnecessary barriers that harm the poor.<\/span><\/p>\n The Church challenges policymakers to ensure tariffs and trade laws do not become tools of oppression but instead serve justice and human flourishing.<\/span><\/p>\n “In order that international trade be human and moral, social justice requires that it restore to the participants a certain equality of opportunity.” (Pope St. Paul VI, 61)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_color=”#f2f2f2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”0px||20px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ background_color_phone=”#FFFFFF” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” background_enable_color_phone=”on” global_colors_info=”{}” column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ locked=”off” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_class=”bullets-module” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font_size=”16px” quote_text_color=”#eb7425″ quote_font_size=”17pt” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” max_width=”75%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”20px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A New Methodology for a New Economy<\/a><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching, Democracy, and Free Markets<\/a><\/p>\n What is Capitalism?<\/a><\/p>\n Capitalism vs. Socialism<\/a><\/p>\n Was Jesus a Capitalist?<\/a><\/p>\n What is a \u201cJust\u201d Distribution of Wealth?<\/a><\/p>\n Gratuitousness: Catholic Social Teaching\u2019s Solution for Capitalism<\/a><\/p>\n The Role of Profit in Business<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text module_class=”bullets-module” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ text_font_size=”16px” quote_text_color=”#eb7425″ quote_font_size=”17pt” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”justified” max_width=”75%” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_padding=”20px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Good, Socially Responsible Business<\/a><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching and Economics by Domingo Bickel<\/a><\/p>\n The Gig Economy and Rerum Novarum<\/a><\/p>\n The Problems of Globalization<\/a><\/p>\n Inflation and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/p>\n Pope Francis \u2013 An Economic Reformer and Provocateur<\/a><\/p>\n Mark Carney, Pope Francis, and the Global Economy<\/a><\/p>\n The \u2018Health of Nations\u2019 in Light of CST and Pope Francis<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/economics\/” button_text=”More About the Church and the Free Market” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”\/articles\/” button_text=”Back to Articles” button_alignment=”center” module_class=”hover-btn-border” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”30px” button_text_color=”#054368″ button_border_width=”0px” button_border_radius=”0px” button_font=”|600||on|||||” button_icon=”5||divi||400″ button_on_hover=”off” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” button_text_color__hover_enabled=”on” button_text_color__hover=”#054368″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Widget of Issues ” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px||” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,3_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.13.0″ width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_margin=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” custom_css_main_element=”width: 100% !important;” make_fullwidth=”on” global_module=”31023″ saved_tabs=”all” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_slider show_image_video_mobile=”on” module_class=”three-principles” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”Open Sans|700|||||||” header_text_color=”#084369″ header_font_size=”24px” header_line_height=”1.5em” body_text_color=”#084369″ width=”100%” width_last_edited=”off|desktop” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_slide_image_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_slide_image_phone=”width: auto;||margin: 0 auto !important;”][et_pb_slide heading=”Three Key Principles” button_link=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” image_alt=”Three circles containing symbols of the three principles of catholic social teaching: human dignity, subsidiarity, and solidarity.” image_tablet=”” image_phone=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/3-Key-principle-icons-resized.png” image_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” z_index=”0″ overflow-x=”hidden” overflow-y=”hidden” link_option_url=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/catholic-social-teaching-principles\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 300px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles –\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Human Dignity” button_link=”\/human-dignity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/human-dignity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Solidarity” button_link=”\/solidarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/solidarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide heading=”Subsidiarity” button_link=”\/subsidiarity\/” image=”https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ header_font=”||||||||” background_color=”#ffffff” button_on_hover=”on” link_option_url=”\/subsidiarity\/” custom_css_slide_image=”width: 200px !important;||margin: 0 auto !important;” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”]<\/p>\n Subsidiarity \u201cis a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies\u201d. (Pope Pius XI)<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” admin_label=”Image & Text” module_id=”newsletter” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_color=”#eb7525″ z_index=”950″ display_conditions=”W3siaWQiOiI2MmUwMjk2ZS1lYmY5LTQwYWYtYmM0Mi0zZmEzYzUyNGNlYTEiLCJjb25kaXRpb24iOiJwYWdlIiwiY29uZGl0aW9uU2V0dGluZ3MiOnsiZGlzcGxheVJ1bGUiOiJpc05vdCIsImR5bmFtaWNQb3N0cyI6W3sibGFiZWwiOiJDYXJpdGFzIGluIFZlcml0YXRlIiwidmFsdWUiOiI0NzIxNCJ9XSwicG9zdFR5cGVMYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiYWRtaW5MYWJlbCI6IlBhZ2VzIiwiZW5hYmxlQ29uZGl0aW9uIjoib24ifSwib3BlcmF0b3IiOiJPUiJ9XQ==” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”0px||0px||false|false” animation_direction=”left” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_module=”45073″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ make_equal=”on” module_class=”mosaic_width” _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” animation_style=”fade” animation_delay=”200ms” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#eb7525″ header_2_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_text_color=”#ffffff” header_3_font_size=”30px” header_4_font=”Playfair Display|700|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#ffffff” header_4_font_size=”32px” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||” custom_padding=”||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ module_class=”ds-vertical-align” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.21.0″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Types of Tariffs<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Tariffs may be used for various purposes: Protective Tariffs<\/strong> are designed to shield domestic industries from foreign competition; Revenue Tariffs<\/strong> are primarily used to generate government income; Retaliatory Tariffs<\/strong> are used in reprisal for imposition of a tariff; Political Tariffs<\/strong> are used primarily as leverage to attain non-economic ends.<\/span><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching and Tariffs<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
The Catholic Church does not address tariffs in detail. She recognizes both the benefits of free trade <\/strong>and the right of nations to regulate their economies<\/strong>.
<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSo, Are Tariffs Good or Bad?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
It depends.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTariffs in Light of Catholic Social Teaching<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
No specific papal encyclical or magisterial document directly discusses “tariffs” in a modern economic context.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n
Catholic Social Teaching Calls for Just Trade!<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
The Church promotes justice in economic exchanges. This includes fair wages, just prices, and fair-trade practices, and here both Tariffs and Free Trade<\/strong> could be justified.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBottom Line<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Catholic Social Teaching does not oppose or support tariffs but insists that trade policies uphold the common good, protect the vulnerable, and encourage international cooperation. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nSign Up For Our Newsletter:<\/h4>\n