U.S. tariffs are assessed on very narrowly defined product categories in order to both accommodate rent-seeking behavior and reduce the damage tariffs do to the overall welfare of the country.

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U.S. tariffs are often assessed on very narrowly defined product categories to accommodate specific domestic industries' interests (a form of rent-seeking behavior) while attempting to minimize the broader economic harm that more generalized tariffs might cause. This approach allows for targeted protection of certain sectors without widespread disruption to the economy.

US Tariffs Are Assessed on Very Narrowly Defined Product Categories