A quota is a physical restriction placed on the quantity of goods that can be imported. It is not a ban on all imported goods, a tax paid on goods produced within a country, or a tax paid on goods produced outside a country. Quotas are usually set by governments to control the amount of certain goods that can enter a country. They can be used to protect domestic industries, manage trade imbalances, or regulate the flow of goods. By limiting the quantity of imported goods, quotas can affect supply and demand, pricing, and competition in the marketplace.