Tariff questions are common in IB Economics Paper 2 because they let examiners test diagrams, welfare effects, and evaluation in one move.
How to draw the trade diagram
- Draw domestic demand and supply
- Add the world price line
- Add the tariff line above the world price
- Show the reduction in imports after the tariff
Animated draw order
Student memory line: Lower tariff -> lower price -> Q rises (Q1 to Q2)
IB Economics trade tariff diagram: tariff removal lowers domestic price and increases import quantity in the domestic market.
What to explain after the diagram
- Domestic price rises
- Domestic output rises
- Consumption falls
- Imports contract
Then evaluate. Is the tariff protecting local jobs, raising revenue, or simply making imported goods less affordable for consumers? That judgment is what lifts the answer.
For a full case-study application, use the Bhutan walkthrough.
Want feedback on your next Economics answer?
If you want instant feedback on your answers and see exactly what earns marks, try Aimnova free.
Try Aimnova freeMore IB Economics guides
Build your IB Economics revision cluster
Need more than one article? Explore the IB Economics study hub or browse all IB Economics blog posts so your practice, revision, and exam technique all connect.
Ready to put your IB knowledge to the test?
Try a full-length mock exam with real IB-style questions and instant marking — or browse our question bank to practise topic by topic.