Why did most Southern leaders consistently reject tariffs in the pre-Civil War years? Their economy relied heavily on foreign imports, which would cost more. The policies as written applied not only to foreign countries, but also to states. They reduced the demand for agricultural raw materials such as cotton. A regional pride was developing that stood in the way of national interests.

Their economy relied heavily on foreign imports, which would cost more.

Explanation:

The economy of southern colonies relied heavily on foreign imports, which would cost more due to imposing of tariffs. These tariffs increases the cost of foreign imported goods which is not profitable for the people of these colonies so most leaders of southern colonies rejected the tariffs imposed by British empire in the pre-Civil War years.