Plain meaning
A trade measure allowing a specified quantity of goods to enter at a lower duty rate, with a higher rate applying above the quota.
Also called
tariff-rate quota
TRQ
Key points
- A TRQ has an in-quota quantity and an over-access rate for imports above that quantity.
- Importers may need allocation or permits to access the lower in-quota rate.
- TRQs are often connected to trade-agreement commitments or sensitive domestic industries.
- Quota administration can affect pricing, supply chains, and market access.
Why it comes up
TRQs matter for supply-managed goods, agricultural imports, trade agreements, and import allocation systems.