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.
His comments came on the day India and the United Kingdom finalized their free trade agreement. Ganesh Rao, CNBC, 25 July 2025 Recto stopped short of revealing which products would potentially be part of the concessions, but said Manila is pushing for a possible free trade agreement with the US. Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 23 July 2025 By 2030, India aims to exceed USD 2 trillion in exports by diversifying its trade to from new markets like Africa, Latin America, and Central Asia and signing new & free trade agreements (FTAs). Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 In the United States, economic dislocation precipitated and accelerated by globalization has led to a growing backlash against free trade and international institutions. William Hurst, Foreign Affairs, 3 July 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 29 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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