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free trade
noun
: trade based on the unrestricted international exchange of goods with tariffs used only as a source of revenue
Examples of free trade in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With the largest economy in the Caribbean and as a leading recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the region, the Caribbean hosts more than 700 companies from around the world with around 79 different free trade zones (FTZs).
—Morten Johansen, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024
Having previously served as an attorney dedicated to protecting the U.S. steel industry from foreign competition, Lighthizer entered the Trump administration with a protectionist mindset that propelled him to buck free trade conservative orthodoxy and engineer Trump's 2018 trade war with China.
—Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024
An environment where the rule of law is increasingly questioned, economic stability is at risk, free trade is stifled by fear of capricious retaliation, and our society is further divided rather than united, is not a good formula for a vibrant economy.
—Steven Tian, Fortune, 29 Oct. 2024
Despite the growing calls for free trade and progressive taxation, the movement to supplant regressive tariffs with progressive taxes faced numerous obstacles.
—Ajay K. Mehrotra / Made By History, TIME, 29 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1766, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near free trade
Cite this Entry
“Free trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20trade. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
free trade
noun
: trade between nations without restrictions (as high taxes on imports)
More from Merriam-Webster on free trade
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for free trade
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about free trade
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