Which is a classic protectionist objective?

• A. Promote free trade
• B. Protect infant industries
• C. Improve balance of payments
• D. Regulate consumer safety

Answer: (B)

Protectionist objectives aim to shield domestic industries from foreign competition, often using tools like tariffs, import quotas, or subsidies. A classic example is protecting infant industries: the idea is to give temporary protection to new domestic firms so they can develop and become competitive before facing established foreign rivals. This rationale is specifically about nurturing domestic production and employment through protection, making it a textbook case of protectionism.

Other options don’t fit as classic protectionist aims: promoting free trade runs counter to protectionism by reducing barriers to imports; improving the balance of payments can be sought for various reasons and isn’t itself a classic protectionist motive; regulating consumer safety concerns standards and protections for consumers, not the protection of domestic producers from foreign competition.