The nations of the world are divided into three groups based on their trade freedom score in the 2015 Index of Economic Freedom. The chart below shows that nations with more trade freedom also have stronger economies, less hunger, and better treatment of the environment.
What does the Heritage Foundation mean by "Free Trade?" Treaties like the Trans Pacific Partnership? These are neither free nor fair--they are several hundred page documents which restrict labor rights and community and environmental well-being.
I can't speak for Heritage, but I would guess that they are using the basic economics definition of free trade. In that sense, free trade agreements would be defined as agreements between international entities that bar the use of tariffs, quotas, or other prohibitive restrictions on commerce.
The nations of the world are divided into three groups based on their trade freedom score in the 2015 Index of Economic Freedom. The chart below shows that nations with more trade freedom also have stronger economies, less hunger, and better treatment of the environment.
Correlation does not mean cause. Show me the study that shows free trade causes stronger economy or less hunger or better treatment of environment.
What does the Heritage Foundation mean by "Free Trade?" Treaties like the Trans Pacific Partnership? These are neither free nor fair--they are several hundred page documents which restrict labor rights and community and environmental well-being.
I can't speak for Heritage, but I would guess that they are using the basic economics definition of free trade. In that sense, free trade agreements would be defined as agreements between international entities that bar the use of tariffs, quotas, or other prohibitive restrictions on commerce.