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Free Trade Vs. Protectionism

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Introduction

At first, I will establish the differences between the concepts of free trade and protectionism, the benefits of each of the different policies and cases in which such policies are used, as well as conflicts generated by those political decisions. Then, discuss the terms of international competitiveness so, with both approaches, I can establish a conclusion to the question.

Free trade vs. Protectionism

General Introduction to the concepts

The free trade are the existing agreements between various countries to significantly reduce trade barriers among participants of the agreement.
Its antithesis is the protectionism policy, used by governments to protect domestic products, limiting the entry of foreign products causing them to be more expensive through custom duties.
What are the benefits of using those policies? (Baena, 2010)
Free trade:
Increase efficiency of production factors. Specializing in goods which can report a real comparative advantage over other countries make that country to increase its production possibilities. Increasing wealth and employment.
Increase and development of competition. Due to the entry of foreign competitors into the domestic market, local companies have to become more efficient, favouring prices down and increase the quality and performance of their products.
Greater variety and quantity of goods and services. Without the international trade certain products would not exist or would be scarce.
Achieving economies of scale.

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