Why TradeShould BeFree (David R. Henderson)

This ebook presents an economic case for free trade, originally writ
ten during the 2024 U.S. presidential election when both candidates
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris advocated for trade restrictions
and tariffs.
Henderson directly addresses common criticisms of free trade, par
ticularly job displacement and trade deficits, by explaining how dis
placed workers find employment elsewhere, how trade deficits cor
respond to capital surpluses, and how technological change drives
most employment shifts. The work explains fundamental concepts like
comparative advantage, showing how countries benefit by specializ
ing in goods where they have cost advantages while importing items
other nations produce more efficiently.
The analysis establishes basic free market principles, demonstrating
how voluntary trade benefits both parties and how tariffs primarily
burden domestic consumers rather than foreign producers.
While the specific electoral context has passed, the fundamental eco
nomic principles and policy debates examined remain highly relevant
to ongoing discussions about international trade policy.

Read more here.