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NotesEconomicsTopic 4.2Import quotas
Back to Economics Topics
4.2.24 min read

Import quotas

IB Economics · Unit 4

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Contents

  1. 1What a quota does
  2. 2Who gains and who loses
  3. 3Exam-style question

An import quota is a limit on the quantity of a good that may be imported.

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The points to remember

  • Define it like this: "A quota is a limit on the quantity of a good that can be imported."
  • Draw S + quota: home supply plus the quota, above Pw.

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The price rises as with a tariff, but the extra money goes elsewhere.

Who gains, who loses

1

Consumers lose

They pay €5, not €3, and buy 50, not 70.

Pay more
2

Home producers gain

They sell 30, not 10, at €5: revenue and producer surplus rise.

Sell more
3

Licence holders gain

The quota rent: €2 extra on each of the 20 imported.

Quota rent
4

The government gets nothing

Unlike a tariff, unless it sells the licences.

No revenue

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Paper 1 asked this in May 2026, as part (a) for 10 marks.

IB-style questionExplain[10 marks]

Explain the consequences for domestic consumers and domestic producers when a country imposes a quota on imported goods.

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How the 10 marks are given

MarksWhat your answer needs
9–10Theory fully explained, terms used correctly all the way through, the diagram included and fully explained
7–8Theory explained, terms mostly right, the diagram included and explained
5–6Theory partly explained, some terms, the diagram included
1–4Theory only described or stated; few relevant terms

IB Exam Questions on Import quotas

Practice with IB-style questions filtered to Topic 4.2.2. Get instant AI feedback on every answer.

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How Import quotas Appears in IB Exams

Examiners use specific command terms when asking about this topic. Here's what to expect:

  • Define

    Give the precise meaning of key terms related to Import quotas.

    AO1
  • Describe

    Give a detailed account of processes or features in Import quotas.

    AO2
  • Explain

    Give reasons WHY — cause and effect within Import quotas.

    AO3
  • Evaluate

    Weigh strengths AND limitations of approaches in Import quotas.

    AO3
  • Discuss

    Present arguments FOR and AGAINST with a balanced conclusion.

    AO3

See the full IB Command Terms guide

Related Economics Topics

Continue learning with these related topics from the same unit:

4.1.1Benefits of international trade4.1.2Free trade on a diagram: exports and imports4.2.1Tariffs4.10.1Trade strategies and diversification
View all Economics topics
Improve your exam techniqueCommand terms, paper structure, and mark-scheme tips for Economics
Previous4.2.1TariffsNextSubsidies and export subsidies4.2.3

11 questions to test your understanding

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