A tax levied on the consumption of particular goods. These may be levied to raise government revenue, and are often levied at higher rates on goods whose consumption is believed to have adverse effects on public health, public order, or the environment. Excise duties on alcoholic drinks, tobacco, and petrol are widely used for both purposes.

• uncompetitive
• UNCTAD
• undated security
• under-capitalized
• under-developed country
• under-funded pension scheme
• underlying rate of inflation
• under-subscription
• under-valued currency
• underwriting
• undistributed profits
• UNDP
• unearned income
• unemployable
• unemployment
• unemployment benefit
• unemployment rate
• unexpected inflation
• unfair competition
• unfair dismissal
• unfunded pension scheme
• unified budget
• uniform business rate
• uniform distribution
• union