Bpb, Freihandel versus Protektionismus, Teil 1: Geschichte und Grundlagen des Freihandels

Trade regulations have been in place for centuries, with rulers and leaders imposing restrictions and tariffs to control imports and exports. The concept of free trade began to gain traction in the 19th century, with economists like Adam Smith and David Ricardo advocating for the benefits of international trade.

Adam Smith, a Scottish economist, introduced the concept of free trade in 1776, suggesting that nations can benefit from specializing in goods they can produce efficiently and trading with other countries. David Ricardo further developed this idea by explaining comparative advantages in trade.

Protecionism involves imposing barriers to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Countries like Great Britain and the USA have implemented protectionist measures in the past. 'Made in Germany' is an example of a response to foreign competition. Free trade, on the other hand, promotes unrestricted trade between nations.

The European Union's trade policies have evolved over time, from the establishment of a customs union to the removal of non-tariff barriers. Despite efforts to promote free trade within the EU, some member states still use protectionist measures like subsidies to support their industries.

Globalization has led to increased trade barriers and competition between countries. The impact of globalization varies, with some nations benefiting from increased market access while others face challenges such as lost market share and disparities in economic development.