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Fair Trade vs Free Trade

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Fair Trade Versus Free Trade

Cohort 4 believes that fair trade is the most prosperous way to trade with other countries. Both free trade and fair trade have advantages and disadvantages. The researchers in Cohort 4 have established a viewpoint regarding fair trade and free trade. Considering the research that the cohort has conducted, they are in opposition to free trade.
The terms free and fair trade sometimes go hand-in-hand but there are distinct differences between the two. According to Wikipedia, free trade is a system of trade policy that allows traders to act and or transact without interference from the government. Free trade implies the trade of goods without taxes (tarrifs) or other trade barriers such as quotas, subsidies, …show more content…

Fair Trade’s consumer recognition has tripled in the last five years, proving the company’s sustainability in a global market. As of today, this organization works with more than 800 companies to verify more than 6,000 products as Fair Trade. In 2009, Fair Trade Certified products generated $1.2 billion in retail sales, indicating their large-scale business practices. 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.

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