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# Re-exportation Drawback

## Definition

A tax refund mechanism that allows merchants to recover duties paid on imported foreign goods when those goods are subsequently exported to other countries. This system prevents double taxation and ensures that imported goods can be competitively re-exported without the burden of duties that would make them uncompetitive in third-country markets.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 4

## Context

Smith discusses how drawbacks on re-exportation function similarly to those on domestic goods, preventing duties from creating artificial barriers to trade. The mechanism is particularly important for goods that are imported for processing or transshipment, ensuring that the original duty does not prevent profitable re-exportation to markets where the goods might be in higher demand.

## Economic Domain

Exchange

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