CAIE A-Level Economics AS 6.2.2 Protectionist Tools Questions
Practise explaining how tariffs, quotas, subsidies, embargoes and red tape affect trade with CAIE Economics AS questions.
- Syllabus
- 2026–2028
- Course
- Economics 9708
- Level
- AS
Exam points
- Explain how tariffs, import quotas, subsidies, embargoes and administrative burdens protect domestic producers and affect trade.
CAIE A-Level Economics AS 6.2.2 Protectionist Tools Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 8]
Explain what is meant by protectionism and consider the effectiveness of using tariffs as a method of protectionism.
Explain what is meant by the term protectionism and consider the effectiveness of using tariffs as a method of protectionism.
Follow the point-based marking guidance at the top of this mark scheme and award:
up to 3 marks for AO1 Knowledge and understanding up to 3 marks for AO2 Analysis
up to 2 marks for AO3 Evaluation.
AO1 Knowledge and Understanding (max 3 marks)
Protectionism is when governments attempt to protect domestic businesses against foreign competition (1). It seeks to reduce the impact of the free market/ restrict free trade (1) by increasing the price competitiveness of domestic businesses against foreign competitors (1).
AO2 Analysis (max 3 marks)
- An explanation of how tariffs work (diagram will help although this is not essential) as a method of protectionism i.e., increasing prices of imports and increasing the price competitiveness of domestic businesses. NB: no marks for a diagram unless it is used to explain the impact on the price of imports and how it protects domestic businesses. Up to 2 marks e.g., for an explanation of how tariffs increase the price of imports (1) and how this protects domestic businesses as it increases their price competitiveness (1)
- Problems may include possible retaliation, inelastic PED for imports, possible cost push inflationary pressure. Up to 2 marks e.g., retaliation by other countries may offset the impact, if the demand for imports is price inelastic then imports may not fall and domestic businesses will not benefit, if the impact is on imported raw materials, this will lead to cost push inflation and domestic businesses who rely on such imports will not benefit.
- If only uses or problems of tariffs are discussed, maximum mark of 2.
AO3 Evaluation (max 2 marks)
- Evaluation should consider how effective tariffs may be considering both how they can protect domestic businesses and the associated problems with 1 mark reserved for a justified conclusion.
Please use a text box to show the mark split e.g., 2,2,1
AO1 Knowledge and understanding
AO2 Analysis
AO3 Evaluation
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