free trade

noun

: trade based on the unrestricted international exchange of goods with tariffs used only as a source of revenue

Examples of free trade in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For most of its history, the G-7 was a club of rich countries that met to coordinate monetary and macroeconomic policies to combat inflation and recession, and to promote free trade. Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, 11 June 2025 Until the Trump Administration applied its 10% universal tariff to goods from the country, the Dominican Republic–Central America Free Trade Agreement had allowed free trade between the two countries since 2004. Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 4 June 2025 And yet even as an ardent anti-communist, Rand saw free trade as an antidote to the threat of Communist China. Ben Bayer, Oc Register, 19 May 2025 Promoters of free trade have no need to apologize, period. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for free trade

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of free trade was in 1766

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Cite this Entry

“Free trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20trade. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

free trade

noun
: trade between nations without restrictions (as high taxes on imports)

More from Merriam-Webster on free trade

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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