The argument that an industry has strategic importance is often advanced to justify protection of that industry against imports from abroad.
Industries frequently protected are agriculture, steel and automobiles. One industrial country has argued that its clothing industry is essential for defence because it produces uniforms for the army. According to economic theory, such protection is best achieved through subsidies, not tariffs or import controls. Subsidies do not raise prices, hurt consumers or raise costs to users; but they often get out of hand and play havoc with budgets.