What role do customs duties play in international trade?

Customs duties are indeed taxes levied on goods entering a country. This means that when goods cross a border, the importing country can impose these duties as a way to generate revenue and regulate international trade. By imposing customs duties, governments can protect domestic industries from foreign competition, encourage local production, and ensure that imported goods contribute to the nation's economy through tax revenue.

This mechanism also allows governments to control the volume of certain goods entering the country, thereby managing aspects like supply levels, market demand, and pricing strategies. Additionally, customs duties can be used as a tool in trade policy to negotiate agreements with other countries or to respond to trade practices perceived as unfair.

Other choices, while related to international trade, do not accurately describe customs duties. Export fees, trade violation penalties, and commissions paid to facilitators are distinct concepts that do not represent the role of customs duties within the context of international trade.