Staff Reports
Donald Trump is once again sharing his misguided views on trade, but the truth is that free trade is a win-win situation for everyone involved. That’s the message put forth by contrarian writer John Tamny, who points out that with free trade, there are no “losers.” Tamny uses the example of eating to illustrate this point – we all need food to survive, and without trade, we wouldn’t have access to the variety of foods we enjoy today. Trade is about improving our circumstances through the exchange of goods and services, and it benefits us all.
On The Contrary, Mr. Trump, Free Trade Is Win-Win https://t.co/y22ojlKiC6
— RedState (@RedState) August 9, 2023
Tamny also reminds us that we are all beneficiaries of free trade, whether we realize it or not. The technological advancements made possible by free trade allow us to communicate globally and access goods and services from all over the world. Without free trade, our existence would be “gruesomely primitive” and we would be hungry all the time. So, the next time you cross town or state lines to find a better deal or better food, remember that you are a free trader.
Tamny dismisses the demonization of “globalization,” arguing that it is simply an extension of the benefits of free trade. Global competition brings better products, services, and bigger bargains. And while some may argue that free trade destroys American companies and jobs, Tamny debunks this argument with examples like Netflix, Amazon, and Uber, which have actually put numerous other U.S. companies out of business. The fate of businesses and jobs is ultimately in the hands of consumers, who decide where to spend their dollars.
In conclusion, free trade is a win-win game. It is not a zero-sum game where there are winners and losers. So, the next time someone tries to tell you otherwise, remember the truth: free trade benefits us all.
