In the previous posts, primary attention was given to tariffs. The shift from protectionism to free trade is accomplished by limiting not only tariffs, but a number of other domestic policies which interrupt the free flow of goods and services across international borders.
This should give you an idea of the types of policies free trade agreements attempt to minimize.
- Click here for a more descriptive list in Wikipedia.
- Tariffs
- Import quotas
- Administrative barriers
- Anti-dumping legislation
- Direct subsidies
- Export subsidies
- Exchange rate manipulation
- International patent systems
- Employment-based immigration restrictions
- Political campaigns advocating domestic consumption
- Preferential governmental spending
