EconLearn
AP Micro & MacroInternational Trade & Finance

Free Trade

Free trade is international trade conducted without government barriers such as tariffs, quotas, or subsidies.

It lets countries specialize according to comparative advantage, raising total output and consumer welfare. While it lowers prices and widens choice, it can hurt specific domestic industries. Agreements like USMCA promote it.

Related terms

AP® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, EconLearn.