Reciprocal Tariff: Definition A reciprocal tariff is a tax or trade restriction that one country places on another in response to similar actions taken by that country. The idea behind reciprocal tariffs is to create balance in trade between nations. If one country raises tariffs on goods from another, the affected country might respond by imposing its own tariffs on imports from the first country. This response is meant to protect local businesses, preserve jobs, and fix trade imbalances ... What Is the Meaning of a Reciprocal Tariff? A tariff is a tax on goods that are brought into a country from abroad making imported products more expensive. A reciprocal tariff is a tax a country uses to respond to how another country treats its exports. Termed “reciprocal tariffs,” this approach is often framed as a means to achieve “fairness” and rectify perceived imbalances in bilateral trade relationships. A reciprocal tariff is a tax or trade restriction that one country places on another in response to similar actions taken by that country. The idea behind reciprocal tariffs is to create balance in trade between nations.