Free Trade or Trade Protection, Which One Is Better?

439 Words2 Pages
A major debate between economists is whether a country, such as United States, should have free trade or trade protection, i.e., protectionism, for its companies in terms of global economy. Supporters of free trade believe in opening the global market, with as few restrictions on trade as possible. Supporters of protectionism yet believe that concentrating on the welfare of the domestic economy by limiting the open-market policy of the United States. However, what effects does this policy have for the international market and the other respective countries in this market? The question is not as complex as it may seem. Both sides have strong viewpoints representing their respective opinions, and even the population of the United States is divided when it comes to taking a stand in the issue. Those who favor free trade think that an open trading system with few limitations and little government involvement is best. On the other hand, those in favor of protectionism believe that governments must take action to regulate trade and subsidize industries to protect the domestic economy. In United States, free trade advocates typically argue that consumers benefit from freer trade because foreign competition forces U.S. companies to keep prices low and provides a greater selection of goods and services. Foreign trade also forces U.S. companies to modernize plants, production techniques and technology, which keeps them competitive. Another argument for free trade is that the cost of protectionism outweighs the benefits. Finally an open trading system may create a better climate for investment and entrepreneurship than one in which the fear of governments cutting off access to markets is present. However, the competition that free trade brings to domestic industries may at the same time result in unemployment and slower growth. Therefore the argument that protectionism is
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