The Benefits of Free Trade Are at Risk

As a former economics professor at the Naval Postgraduate School, I always emphasized the importance of comparative advantage to my master’s students. I used the example of two people on a desert island discovering each other and how they could benefit by specializing in producing the good in which they had a comparative advantage and trading with each other. This simple illustration led to three key points that I discussed with my students.

First, I expanded the concept from individuals on an island to countries, explaining why it is beneficial for people in different states or countries to trade with each other. Second, I highlighted the global perspective, emphasizing that national borders do not change the fundamental principle of comparative advantage. People in the United States can benefit from trading with individuals in China, Canada, or any other country. Third, I drew a parallel between the concept of comparative advantage in trade and how it applies to specialized roles in the workforce. Just as individuals benefit from focusing on their strengths in trade, managers benefit from delegating tasks to their subordinates and focusing on their own responsibilities.

I also addressed the potential downsides of free trade, noting that some businesses may lose out to lower-cost foreign producers, leading to job losses and economic uncertainty for workers. This could result in calls for protectionist measures such as tariffs or import quotas to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. Despite these challenges, I pointed out that tariff rates have been decreasing steadily since World War II, reaching historically low levels.

In his article “The Benefits of Free Trade Are at Risk,” David R. Henderson discusses the ongoing threat to free trade and highlights the importance of maintaining open markets. He emphasizes how tariff rates have plummeted globally over the years but warns that this progress could be reversed if protectionist sentiments gain traction.

To delve deeper into this topic, I recommend reading the full article here. Henderson’s insights shed light on the benefits of free trade and the potential risks that lie ahead if protectionist policies gain momentum.