The German tariff of 1885 was a protectionist law passed by the Reichstag (under the guidance of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck) that raised tariffs on agricultural imports into Imperial Germany. It became law on 22 May 1885.[1]
The tariff of 1879 had imposed a duty of 1 mark per 100kg on wheat, rye and oats.[2] However, this had failed to prevent the fall in grain prices.[3] The price of wheat in Prussia had fallen from 46s.10d. per imperial quarter in 1880 to 34s.8d. per imperial quarter in 1885.[4] In 1880 the price of rye in Prussia was 9s.8d. per cwt.; in 1885 it was 7s.2d.[5] Germany had also lost most of its grain export markets.[6] The agrarian party had grown in strength, and they complained of foreign competition and demanded protection for Germany's food supply, which they argued was vital in wartime.[7]