customs barrier

[/ˈkʌstəmz ˈbæriər/]
nounpl: customs barriers
barreira alfandegária
1. A trade restriction imposed by a government to control the flow of goods across its borders, typically through tariffs, quotas, or import duties
The government erected a customs barrier to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
O governo ergueu uma barreira alfandegária para proteger as indústrias domésticas da competição estrangeira.
2. Any regulatory or bureaucratic obstacle that impedes the free movement of goods between countries or regions
Trade negotiations aimed to reduce customs barriers between member nations.
As negociações comerciais visavam reduzir as barreiras alfandegárias entre os países membros.
In Brazil and Portuguese-speaking countries, this term is primarily used in formal trade, economic, and diplomatic contexts. It reflects concerns about economic protectionism versus free trade, particularly relevant in discussions about MERCOSUL (South American trade bloc) and international commerce agreements. The term gained prominence during trade negotiations and discussions about economic integration in the Americas.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
trade barriertariff barrierimport barrierprotectionist measure
Antonyms / Antônimos
free tradeopen markettariff-free trade

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
barreira alfandegária
Standard term used in official trade and commerce contexts
Brazil
barreira comercial
Alternative broader term sometimes used interchangeably
São Paulo
barreira alfandegária
Standard usage in business and financial sectors
Portugal
barreira aduaneira
Portuguese equivalent; 'aduaneira' is the standard term in European Portuguese

Related Words

tariffquotaimport dutytrade agreementcustomsprotectionismborder controlcommerce

Related Idioms & Phrases

break down customs barriers
erect/raise a customs barrier
remove/lift customs barriers
customs barrier to trade
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