Evolving Trade Policy: The Benefits of 'Fair Trade' Over 'Free Trade'

Fair-trade is a trading partnership that focuses on sustainable development for poorer producers. they do this by providing better trading conditions and raising awareness of their situation.

Trading fairly is a movement which strives for fair treatment for farmers. In a fair trade agreement, farmers will

In conclusion, the topic of free trade is difficult to debate and often controversial as it has advantages but also disadvantages. Nonetheless, the drawbacks outweigh the benefits as it one, contravenes basic moral ideologies, two, makes the rich, richer, and the poor, poorer, and three, jeopardizes our declining environment. All in all, free trade will neither support nor sustain our country to be ethical, prosperous or

In the past few decades, there has been much controversy over the issue of America’s involvement in foreign trade. Of course, for some, there is always a strong sense of nationalism that will ignite them to only buy products that were made in America. In contrast, for other buyers, it does not matter where the product was made. They want to participate in the trade market, regardless of where it was manufactured. From the creation of jobs for American citizens to causing the increase of some produce foods that they purchase at the local grocery store, there are many aspects that result in foreign trade that is occurring globally. In order for America to have the best global trade market, trade barriers need to be completely removed to

Trade is something crucial to economic success in any country. The less difficult trade between two nations is, the easier both can benefit as nations, but the individuals of the nation benefit as well as there is easy access to foreign products. Most notable for most people here in the U.S. is NAFTA, which is the agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. However, there is a large division on whether or not free trade is more harmful than it is good, and that protectionism is the way to go. In fact, the current president-elect Donald Trump is for limiting free trade and installing large restrictions in the form of tariffs and outsourcing costs to protect America, and is part of his plan to "Make America Great Again." Free trade is a more intelligent decision as there are a lot more benefits of free trade compared to protectionism including individual benefits and economic improvement.

Since ancient times, societies have used forms of trade in order to benefit themselves and their communities. From bartering in Ancient Egypt, to the international trading the world has today, trading has found its way into various sectors of modern civilization. The idea of free trade dates back to sixteenth century Spain and it was believed by certain economists to be the reason why certain civilizations flourished more than others. Free trade was an idea The U.S., Canada and Mexico struck gold with when they implemented the North American Free Trade Agreement, better known as, “NAFTA”. The use of NAFTA is in America’s best interest because, it benefits U.S. jobs, improves trade relations, promoted specialization of trade.

One of the greatest international economic debates of all time has been the issue of free trade versus protectionism. Proponents of free trade believe in opening the global market, with as few restrictions on trade as possible. Proponents of protectionism believe in concentrating on the welfare of the domestic economy by limiting the open-market policy of the United States. However, what effects does this policy have for the international market and the other respective countries in this market? The question is not as complex as it may seem. Both sides have strong opinions representing their respective viewpoints, and even the population of the United States is divided when it comes to taking a stand in

It is commonly believed that free trade between nations is a mutually beneficial arrangement for all parties involved; indeed, this is held to be an absolute truth. Though free trade is undoubtedly the most effective form of commerce between countries from a purely economic standpoint, increasingly we find that our so-called "free trade agreements" are horribly unbalanced. Indicative of these fiascoes is the North American

The month of October is themed “Every Purchase Matters” for Fair Trade USA. This annual awareness campaign rings together a diverse range of corporate, nonprofit, producer and consumer partners with more than 100 events – including fund-raising parties, and promotions across the United States. These events raise understanding and knowledge of the Fair Trade movement with “social, economic, and environmental empowerment” for the farming population and consumers all across the globe (Economics, 2010). In Addition to Fair Trade USA, Cohort 4 believes that the general American population does not support free trade as well. “NBC news and Wall Street Journal did a poll and the results were interesting. Sixty nine percent of Americans believe that free trade agreements with other countries have cost jobs in the United States. While eighteen percent believe that they have created jobs” (Harwood). During the recession it is easy to see that many Americans are out of work. Since many products used in the U.S.

2009). This in itself shows the high standards of sustainability can be made from free trade (Gidney, M. 2009). Fair trade provides two key benefits that can help with the current world economic crisis. First it provides sustained benefits for producers that can help maintain their business through fluctuations of the world market (Gidney, M. 2009). Second, fair trade helps to maintain fair prices, additional social premium, and long-term partnerships that help provide better living standards for millions of people in over 60 countries (Gidney, M. 2009).

Adam Smith, author of The Wealth of Nations, shows support for free trade and emphasises it as a trade policy which ought to be adopted. Krugman and Obstfeld back Smith's support by stating that the efficiency of trade is increased by free trade and accumulates the national income of countries. Free trade is a theory which suggests that each nation benefits in specialising in an economic activity from which it gains absolute advantage, enjoying absolute superiority over other nations in a specif economical activity (Peng). With free trade follows opportunity, replacing regulation and growth of economic activity. (Rugmann and Collinson).

Trade is the act of buying and selling goods and services. This idea of trade became popular globally, starting the fair trade movement. According to FINE in 2001, fair trade is defined as a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency, and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers - especially in the South (Moore, Wilkinson, Redfern & Snedker). The fair trade movement originated in the late nineteenth century. It began as charitable organizations and political solidarity trading with poor communities in the 1940s until it expanded to become a movement in the 1960s-1970s. The movement was officially created when the leading traders and importers joined forces from multiple different countries. The movement was created to to import goods for trade. Fair trade organizations (backed by consumers) are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade (Moore 73-74). The importance of the fair trade movement can be explained by the foundation of the movement, the goals of the movement, the obstacles of the movement, current organizations who follow the movement, and the overall movement itself.

”Free trade policies have created a level of competition in today's open market that engenders continual innovation and leads to better products, better-paying jobs, new markets, and increased savings and investment” (Denise Froning). Though Free trade plays a huge role in the economy today because of what and where it is used. Free trade allows for traders to trade across national boundaries and other countries without government interference. Meaning that traders have very few regulations that allow for them to do this without the government intervening. Free trade makes things for traders much easier and also allows for many more jobs in the US, such as exporting jobs, or jobs in the auto industry and plants. Though there are many

" Fair-trade is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers.

Ever since the first involvement of government in international trade, many people have posed their opinion about what the role of government should be in it. Different factors are involved when it comes to deciding what this should be. It impacts a lot of people, so in order to do that, trade policy must be properly defined, identify what the roles of government currently are, and their involvement in it, and then analyse what should be their role. Trade policy is how a country carries out trade with other countries (Commercial Policy, n.d). Even though a lot of people support government intervention in international trade, countries would benefit a lot more if the government removes protectionism and promotes free trade instead.