Do tariffs help or harm a country's economy?

Context

Tariffs are taxes on imported goods designed to protect domestic industries, but economists debate whether they ultimately help or harm economic growth. Proponents argue tariffs shield local jobs and industries from foreign competition, while critics contend they raise consumer prices, invite retaliation, and reduce overall trade efficiency. The question has intensified in recent years as major economies have deployed tariffs as strategic trade policy tools, making this a central flashpoint in contemporary economic policy.