why would a government want to make imported goods more expensive?

A government may want to make imported goods more expensive mainly to protect domestic industries from foreign competition by encouraging consumers to buy local products instead. This is typically done through tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods that increase their cost, making domestic goods relatively cheaper and helping local producers compete. Additionally, tariffs generate government revenue and can serve as diplomatic tools to influence other countries' behaviors. Furthermore, raising prices on imports can protect infant or strategic industries and preserve domestic jobs from being lost to cheaper foreign labor or production costs.