U.S. Secretary of State Describes Tariff as Semantics Issue

The U.S. Secretary of State said the distinction between calling a tariff a toll or a fee is a matter of wording rather than substance. The statement focused on how terminology does not change the underlying policy effect.

Tariffs function as charges applied to imported goods at the border. Officials have used various terms when describing these measures to the public. The comments come as trade measures continue to draw attention from governments and businesses involved in cross-border commerce.