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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
Trump’s return to the White House on Monday was on everyone’s lips, overshadowing traditional Davos talk about issues like climate change, free trade and economic development.
—Jamey Keaten and David McHugh, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
While free trade agreements promise mutual benefits through comparative advantage and open markets, the reality often diverges from this ideal.
—Robert Daugherty, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025
Trudeau also addressed Trump’s executive action, signed Monday, that directs officials to analyze how the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (the USMCA) is affecting American workers and businesses — and whether America should remain in the free trade agreement.
—Eve Brennan, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025
Vance, an economic populist, has spoken up against free trade and foreign military intervention.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025
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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 1 Feb. 2025.
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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