Shouldn free trade be fair trade? Whats wrong with tariffs on imports from countries engaging in unfair practices?
The question of free trade is a complex issue, on which there is disagreement even among fans of the free market. For instance circa 2003 there was a major debate in the U.S about whether or not to allow reimportation of cheap drugs from Canada, which had imposed price controls when they purchased them from American pharma companies. Where it can definitely be established that there is an unfair trading practise occurring in the country of origin, it would seem reasonable to retaliate by imposing tariffs. For instance government subsidies for national businesses give an unfair advantage over overseas competitors not subsidised by their governments. Circa 2004 the European Union and American governments heavily subsidized their farmers, making it difficult for farmers in the developing world to compete. Another reason for imposing trade restrictions with a country would be human rights abuses. There is no international rule of law, only international convention, a situation that is tech
