An “Anti-dumping Duty” aims to protect which of the following?

An "Anti-dumping Duty" is primarily designed to protect domestic industries against unfair foreign pricing practices. When foreign manufacturers sell products in the domestic market at prices significantly lower than their normal value, they are said to be "dumping." This can harm domestic producers who cannot compete with these artificially low prices, leading to potential job losses and decreased profitability for local businesses.

The imposition of an anti-dumping duty serves as a countermeasure to this practice, allowing domestic industries to maintain fair competition. By levying this duty on imported goods deemed to be dumped, the government effectively raises the price of these imports closer to standard market values. This action helps ensure that domestic producers have a fair chance to compete, fostering a healthier economic environment and encouraging the growth of local industries.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of anti-dumping duties. They are not in place to protect foreign manufacturers or to shield exporters from tariffs; rather, they focus on balancing the competitive playing field in favor of domestic producers. Furthermore, while anti-dumping measures might indirectly affect consumer prices, their primary aim is not to protect consumers from high prices but to address the disparities caused by unfair foreign pricing practices.