The correct answer is indeed d. “antidumping/countervailing duties applied to imports.” To understand why this is the correct answer and why the other options are not, we need to delve into the concept of non-tariff trade barriers and explore each option individually.

Domestic Content Laws:

Domestic content laws are a type of non-tariff trade barrier. These laws stipulate that a certain percentage of a product’s components or materials must be sourced domestically. This effectively restricts imports by making it more expensive and less competitive for foreign companies to participate in the domestic market.

These laws aim to protect and promote domestic industries by ensuring that a significant portion of the production process occurs within the country. For example, if a country enforces a domestic content law for automobile manufacturing, a certain percentage of the car’s parts must be produced within that country. This creates a trade barrier by discouraging foreign companies from entering the market.

Government Procurement Policies:

Government procurement policies are another form of non-tariff trade barrier. These policies dictate that government agencies must give preference to domestic suppliers when making purchases. By favoring domestic suppliers, governments can support their own industries and local job markets.

However, this can disadvantage foreign suppliers who may offer more competitive or innovative products. It can create a bias against foreign companies bidding for government contracts. In essence, these policies work as a non-tariff barrier by limiting the access of foreign suppliers to government procurement opportunities.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Standards:

Health, safety, and environmental standards are crucial for protecting consumers and the environment, but they can also be used as non-tariff trade barriers when applied in a discriminatory or protectionist manner. When a country sets standards that are significantly different from international norms or disproportionately stringent, it can act as a barrier to imports.

Foreign producers might struggle to meet these requirements, leading to trade barriers. However, it’s important to note that setting reasonable and non-discriminatory standards is a legitimate regulatory function of governments. Non-tariff barriers come into play when such standards are used to protect domestic industries unfairly or excessively.

Now, let’s explore why option d, “antidumping/countervailing duties applied to imports,” is not considered a non-tariff trade barrier:

Antidumping/Countervailing Duties:

Antidumping (AD) and countervailing duties (CVD) are measures that governments can legally apply under international trade rules to counteract unfair trade practices. These practices can include selling products at prices lower than their production costs or receiving subsidies that distort trade.

The purpose of AD and CVD measures is to level the playing field in international trade by addressing unfair competition. They are not inherently protectionist or discriminatory against foreign products.

Rather, they are intended to ensure fair competition by offsetting the advantages gained through these practices. When AD or CVD measures are properly applied, they do not constitute non-tariff trade barriers but rather represent a legitimate trade remedy.

In summary, the correct answer, option d, is correct because antidumping/countervailing duties, when applied according to international trade rules, are not considered non-tariff trade barriers. They serve to address unfair trade practices and promote fair competition.

On the other hand, options a, b, and c are all examples of non-tariff trade barriers as they can be used to restrict or discourage imports in a way that may not be based on fair and non-discriminatory principles.

Domestic content laws, government procurement policies, and certain standards can be employed to protect domestic industries and may create unfair advantages for local producers, making it more difficult for foreign companies to access a particular market.