...Pros and Cons of Free Trade I. Introduction Free trade, the ever present driving force behind our national and world economy, is a trade policy embroiled in controversy. It is considered by most economists to be an almost perfect trade policy, barring a few negative effects. Free trade has been shown to increase production, output and income levels in an economy. However, there are many people that view free trade as destroyer of economies and a catalyst of poverty. Critics of free trade have pointed out that in the short-run, free trade causes a loss of jobs which in turn causes a rise in poverty levels. It is interesting to note that the argument for free trade and the argument against free trade are inverses of each other. Proponents of free trade see it as a tool to stimulate an economy while detractors see it as a policy which exacerbates poverty, causes dependency and reduces economic stability. In general, there is no consensus on free trade. Economists see free trade as the devil that we know. While imperfect, it is the best we have to work with. Popular opinion sees free trade as a cause of inequality. Even though it alleviates poverty and causes economic stimulation in the long-run, it can cause the exact opposite in the short run. The pros and the cons of free trade must then be weighed, which will then allow us to determine if free trade is truly a beneficial trade policy. Therefore, this discussion will weigh the benefits and harms...
Words: 352 - Pages: 2
...I. Introduction Free trade, the ever present driving force behind our national and world economy, is a trade policy embroiled in controversy. It is considered by most economists to be an almost perfect trade policy, barring a few negative effects. Free trade has been shown to increase production, output and income levels in an economy. However, there are many people that view free trade as destroyer of economies and a catalyst of poverty. Critics of free trade have pointed out that in the short-run, free trade causes a loss of jobs which in turn causes a rise in poverty levels. It is interesting to note that the argument for free trade and the argument against free trade are inverses of each other. Proponents of free trade see it as a tool to stimulate an economy while detractors see it as a policy which exacerbates poverty, causes dependency and reduces economic stability. In general, there is no consensus on free trade. Economists see free trade as the devil that we know. While imperfect, it is the best we have to work with. Popular opinion sees free trade as a cause of inequality. Even though it alleviates poverty and causes economic stimulation in the long-run, it can cause the exact opposite in the short run. The pros and the cons of free trade must then be weighed, which will then allow us to determine if free trade is truly a beneficial trade policy. Therefore, this discussion will weigh the benefits and harms of free trade and will prove that...
Words: 346 - Pages: 2
...I. Introduction Free trade, the ever present driving force behind our national and world economy, is a trade policy embroiled in controversy. It is considered by most economists to be an almost perfect trade policy, barring a few negative effects. Free trade has been shown to increase production, output and income levels in an economy. However, there are many people that view free trade as destroyer of economies and a catalyst of poverty. Critics of free trade have pointed out that in the short-run, free trade causes a loss of jobs which in turn causes a rise in poverty levels. It is interesting to note that the argument for free trade and the argument against free trade are inverses of each other. Proponents of free trade see it as a tool to stimulate an economy while detractors see it as a policy which exacerbates poverty, causes dependency and reduces economic stability. In general, there is no consensus on free trade. Economists see free trade as the devil that we know. While imperfect, it is the best we have to work with. Popular opinion sees free trade as a cause of inequality. Even though it alleviates poverty and causes economic stimulation in the long-run, it can cause the exact opposite in the short run. The pros and the cons of free trade must then be weighed, which will then allow us to determine if free trade is truly a beneficial trade policy. Therefore, this discussion will weigh the benefits and harms of free trade and will prove that although...
Words: 3285 - Pages: 14
...Introduction Do international economics of free trade important in the United States of America and in the world of different countries? Therefore, according to the article of "Embracing the Challenge of Free Trade: Competing and Prospering in a Global Economy", Ben S. Bernanke, who is the author and the Chairman of the Montana Economic Development Summit 2007 Butte, MT, had said," international trade in goods, services, and assets, like other forms of market-based exchange, allows us to transform what we have into what we need or want under increasingly beneficial terms. Trade allows us to enjoy both a more productive economy and higher living standards" (Bernanke). Free trade is very important as international economics will cause both advantages...
Words: 1237 - Pages: 5
...The three pros of the aforementioned statement include: 1.It encourages free trade - When a country is deprived of borders, they incur an unlimited variety of discounted consumer and industrialized goods and services. Intrinsically, fewer barriers, like tariffs, sales taxes, or subsidies are implemented since there isn’t a country to add borders ("22 Globalization Pros and Cons", 2017). For example, In Trinidad and Tobago, tariffs are now countless and theoretically possesses the preeminent market for imported consumer goods in CARICOM. It furthermore offers the local producers a final opportunity in the market. Though, it is a momentary measure, it enforces on the overseas producers to be economical, if they desire to recapture the CARICOM...
Words: 831 - Pages: 4
...general, is the integration of different societies, cultures and economies. (What is Globalization, 2010) Now the question everyone is asking, what are the pros and cons of globalization. A major pro to globalization is that it helps countries’ economies to grow. If one countries’ economy grows, it is said that the growth spreads to neighboring countries which in turn spread to other neighboring countries so much that they start to grow dependent on each other. In contrary to that, a con of globalization is if one country goes into a recession, its neighboring countries will follow and it will continue to spread to other neighboring countries and so on and so forth. (Pros and Cons of Globalization) So globalization in the spreading of economic status has both its ups and downs. I feel that this controversy is a wash. To grow as a country, you have to be able to take the risk that your country may suffer as well. One day your country could be doing fine, and the next day your economy could be going right down the toilet. I think eventually countries will have to take this risk if they want to grow economically and financially as a whole. Some also argue that globalization will create jobs, increase the competition between companies, and at the same time, lower product prices for the consumer. (collins, 2010) Free trade supports countries specializing in manufacturing what they make best, increasing the quality of the item. The competition between companies and all the inexpensive...
Words: 1078 - Pages: 5
...unintended consequences of the interaction between units. Globalization as transference thus implies exchange across existing unit boundaries and between units and system, but it still presupposes that this system as well as the units remains identical with themselves throughout the globalizing process. Pros and Cons There are many pros and cons of globalization, ranging from economic benefits to a freer, more equal labor market. For example, Free Trade reduces the barriers that once stood between nations trading freely with one another. When companies in different nations don’t face any barriers to trade in the form of import or export restrictions, they can engage in free trade. One of the downsides of globalization is the harm it can cause to economies at an early stage of development. The same example of Free Trade forces all countries to compete using an even playing field, which critics claim puts smaller, less developed countries behind their more developed counterparts. Some economists believe that free trade is only possible if industries in developing countries are allowed to grow under a certain level of economic protection. This is known as the Paradox of Free Trade, and it is a core argument among economists. Brazil After the Second World War and until the late 80s, the Brazilian economy was characterized by the imports substitution policy which implied high levels of protection and insignificant exposure to the international competition. Later on, in the 90s...
Words: 828 - Pages: 4
...zones are also known as free trade zones. True or False True 2. The is great income disparity in South America True or False True 3. The ______b. Amazon__________________ Basin is a reservoir of biodiversity? a. Patagonian b. Amazon c. Mexico City 4. Small pox, tobacco and the potato are all examples of the Columbian Exchange. True or False True 5. ____c. El Nino____________ are periodic climate-altering changes, especially in the Pacific Ocean, now understood to operate on a global scale. ? a. hurricanes b. El Pinto c. El Nino 6-7. (2 points) Define the term structural adjustment policies (SAPs) _________________________________________________________________________ SAPs are policies that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund required from governments to receive loans. The policies were started to help countries become economically self-sufficient. This was to help ensure that that the loans would get repaid. SAPs encouraged governments to reduce spending on government programs, minimize the number of civil servants and by lowering taxes on already established private industries. _________________________________________________________________________ 8. The Incan Empire was principally in northern Mexico. True or False False 9-10. (2 points) Describe the pros and cons of NAFTA. NAFTA is a free trade agreement made between the United States, Canada and Mexico. This agreement would remove most barriers to free trade and investment by eliminating...
Words: 264 - Pages: 2
...Pros and Cons of Globalization Dianna L. James MBA607 November 22, 2014 Jeff Knott, Instructor Abstract Within this writing, we had to research the pros and cons of globalization. However, one needs to know the definition of globalization. Globalization is a process in which we trade with other countries in the stock market or imports/exports of goods and services. However, globalization is not as easy as saying the word, there are many issues that are important to know, one is the laws of any given country. Korea is a good example where they have non-flexible laws that a business that wish to produce their good though their country they need to be abided by in all sense of the word. When visiting the country you need to be well aware of the culture differences and conform to the culture of the country you are visiting. There is one basic question associated with the pros and cons that needs to be answered. “How can firms and governments help to reduce the amount of resistance that might result from its implementation” (From instructions for week one assignment)? Key Words: Trading, Country, Laws, Pros, and Cons, Globalization Pros and Cons of Globalization Within this writing, we had to research the pros and cons of globalization. However, one needs to know the definition of globalization. Globalization is a process in which we trade with other countries in the stock market or imports/exports of goods and services. However, globalization is not as easy...
Words: 3504 - Pages: 15
...political. It is true that the impact of globalization is visible and affects largely the politics and the economy of the country but its effect on the mindset and the culture is noticeable gradually in the way people think and react. It’s like the Iceberg theory wherein what we do and say are at the tip and what we think and believe is at the base. The base is not visible but manifestations at the top are conspicuous. It applies here as well where people do not change abruptly but may be after a decade the change starts showing and seems radical. Pro-globalization Globalization is not a new phenomena, the base was laid long back when the Dutch East India Company and the British East India Company started trading with India. In history there were trade relations between different countries like Arab and Egypt and now in modern times that has translated into Globalization or Free Trade. It’s true that ultimately all the free trade resulted in the white man taking the burden proactively but then globalization leads to more employment and higher standard of living,...
Words: 1134 - Pages: 5
... | |September 12, 2015 | | | In today’s business world, the term “world” is literal. Globalization, the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets, has become the norm. While there are always two sides to an issue, globalization has become a good, positive force in business. For the purposes of this paper, the term “good” means favorable or advantageous. (1, Premise) Operating globally, businesses work with other countries stimulating trade, creating employment, and boosting economies. According to Mike Collins, a contributor for Forbes Magazine, “globalization promotes economic growth;...
Words: 441 - Pages: 2
...where countries across the world agree to cooperate in trade agreements such as World Trade Organization. (Samii, 2011) Countries enter into these agreements seeking to reduce cost on both their imports and exports. In turn, countries will most likely see an increase in foreign direct investments resulting from trade blocs. (Curley, 2014) Trade blocs are created bringing countries closer together by eliminating tariffs. And as a result, demand changes based on the lower cost because now bulk productions are allowed. Consequently, the increased competition promotes greater efficiency within firms. (Curley, 2014) With some Trade blocs free trade is allowed within each country’s markets thereby encouraging each country to specialize in certain markets. (Economic Online, Unknown) In addition, jobs may be created because of the increased trade between members. (Economic Online, Unknown) And a final benefit is that firms inside the bloc are protected from cheaper imports from outside the blocs, such as the European Union show industry is protected from cheaper imports from China and Vietnam. (Economic Online, Unknown) On January 1, 1994, United States (US), Canada and Mexico entered into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). (USTR, Unknown) One of the primary benefits is a decrease in tariffs. All three companies experienced wage increases and increased trade amongst the countries. (Fontinelle, 2012) Trade of goods and services between the U.S., Canada and...
Words: 478 - Pages: 2
...Arguments in Favor The most common argument in favor of free trade is that it permits the market to most efficiently price goods and services on the largest possible scale. As governmental barriers to trade---such as taxes, tariffs and regulations---are lifted, proponents say the cost of providing a service or producing a product will decrease, and this lower price would be a net good for society. In general, large-scale production is more efficient than small-scale production and leads to greater profits, which drive further efficiencies, including more advanced technology. Some political scientists say free trade improves national security by making nations so economically interdependent that armed conflict becomes an increasingly remote possibility. Furthermore, some say that the right to labor includes the right to engage in some degree of market capitalism that includes trading with the partners of one's choice, irrespective of national borders. As individual entrepreneurs pursue their own self-interest, they accumulate capital that can be used to subsidize the arts and culture within their communities. Sponsored Links GlobalSources.com Source For Verified Manufacturers & Wholesale Suppliers. Register Now! www.GlobalSources.com Arguments Against Opponents of free trade argue that the economic benefits of trade are outweighed by the hidden costs. For example, free trade tends to promote the formation of large business enterprises such as multinational corporations...
Words: 473 - Pages: 2
...contrast microeconomics and macroeconomics. How do the 2 approaches interrelate? Use a specific example to explain. Macroeconomics and Microeconomics are both dealing with economics but indifferent levels, Macroeconomics is the study of a country's overall economic issues and Microeconomics deals with economics on an individual consumer,families and individual businesses. They can affect how much you can purchase for your family and what is available for you to purchase for your family. 3. What are the fundamental elements of the free market economic system? How can businesses thrive within this system? 1. The rights to own a business and keep after-tax profits 2. The right to private property 3. The right to free choice 4. The right to fair competition Free Market economies allows businesses to thrive by allowing owners to keep the profits, encouraging growth. 4. Describe the 4 degrees of competition within the free market system. Offer 2 to 3 examples of each type of competition by filling in the chart. Pure Competition: A market structure in which a very large number of firms sell a standardized product into which the is very easy in which the...
Words: 1540 - Pages: 7
...Globalization Shannon R. Newcomb PHL/320 June 29, 2015 Jennifer Stephens Globalization In today’s business world, the term “world” is literal. Globalization, the development of an increasingly integrated global economy marked especially by free trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of cheaper foreign labor markets, has become the norm. While there are always two sides to an issue, globalization has become a good, positive force in business. For the purposes of this paper, the term “good” means favorable or advantageous. (1, Premise) Operating globally, businesses work with other countries stimulating trade, creating employment, and boosting economies. According to Mike Collins, a contributor for Forbes Magazine, “globalization promotes economic growth; creates jobs, makes companies more competitive, and lowers prices for consumers” (Collins, 2015). Globalization helps to stimulate trade by allowing organizations to gain knowledge about the trends, culture, and customs of other countries to better market to those parts of the world. (1, Conclusion) Thus, globalization generates effective communication between countries in order to trade, create jobs, and boost economies. (2, Premise) Globalization creates a worldwide shopping experience. In the past, consumers were limited to what was nearby for purchasing. With globalization, the options are limitless. Gone are the days of cookie cutter gifts from your local Walmart. A unique gift is just a click...
Words: 502 - Pages: 3