Trade protectionism has always been a sensitive issue for me as a financial journalist and free marketeer. Many say protectionist tactics assist particular enterprises or sectors, but they hurt world commerce and financial stability. In this blog article, I will examine how trade protectionism affects international commerce and global financial stability and present instances that show its drawbacks.
We must define trade protectionism to understand its effects. Protectionism is when governments limit international commerce by tariffs, import restrictions, or subsidies. Domestic industries are protected from international competition and local enterprises are promoted by these policies. This may seem like a good strategy to stimulate the economy and protect employment. Truth is far more complicated.
Understanding that global commerce is not a zero-sum game is crucial. Country development and prosperity depend on each other in our linked globe. For every import, there is an export, and imposing import restrictions would lead to retaliation and a trade war. This might affect the nations and the global financial system.
President Herbert Hoover signed the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 during the Great Depression. This Act imposed duties on over 20,000 imported commodities to protect American farmers and businesses from foreign competition. The outcome was disastrous. Global commerce plummeted as several nations raised tariffs in response. U.S. exports decreased by almost half and unemployment rose, worsening the economic crisis. The Smoot-Hawley Tariffs prolonged the Great Depression and showed the dangers of trade protectionism.
Apart from trade wars, protectionist tactics raise consumer prices. By taxing imports, domestic industries have a sheltered market with less competition and higher prices. Consumers pay more for these items, reducing their buying power. This domino effect might lower demand, hurting local and foreign enterprises.
The 1970s U.S. steel industry illustrates this. As inexpensive imported steel intensified competitiveness, the industry campaigned for trade protection. Thus, the government imposed steel taxes and quotas. While this aided domestic steel producers, it raised costs for firms using steel as an input, raising consumer prices. The EU put duties on U.S. products in reaction to steel levies, hitting export-dependent farmers and companies.
In addition to trade wars and increased consumer prices, trade protectionism may harm global financial stability. Free trade increases productivity and innovation by optimising resource allocation and comparative advantage. Protectionist policies encourage corporations to remain in protected markets rather than explore new ones, hindering this process. An undynamic economy may hinder growth and development. A poor or sluggish economy may cause financial instability, which can harm the global financial system.
Simply said, trade protectionism violates free market principles. Competition, innovation, and consumer welfare are harmed by it. Economic development and prosperity depend on global commerce, so interruptions may have far-reaching effects.
Protectionist policies may lead to corruption and cronyism. Instead of improving efficiency and innovation, companies that cannot compete on a level playing field agitate for trade restrictions. This naturally causes government officials to favour some firms or sectors over others, creating an uneven playing field and undermining market confidence.
In conclusion, trade protectionism may appear like a fast remedy to safeguard home sectors, but it hurts international commerce and financial stability. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act and U.S. steel sector tariffs show how protectionist tactics may backfire. As a financial journalist, I believe in free markets and global prosperity via open commerce. I hope trade officials examine these elements and promote healthy competition, innovation, and fair trade. “A rising tide lifts all boats,” and the global economy is no exception.