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

In contrast, a large number of small economies outside China, accounting for about 8% of world GDP, are liberalising imports of EVs, batteries, along with wind and solar equipment, creating a de facto free trade area for clean tech. — Chloé Farand, semafor.com, 12 Nov. 2026

Beyond refusing to back the renewal of the trilateral free trade agreement, Washington levied 50 percent duties on over $20 billion in Canadian imports in August—a move that was proceeded by in-kind retaliation. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2026

The two sides already have a sweeping free trade agreement, known as CETA, that eliminated most tariffs. — ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026

Both maps were used at the Berlin Africa Conference of 1884-85 to determine the boundaries of free trade zones in the Congo and Niger river basins. — Thomas J Bassett, The Conversation, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for free trade

• afraid
• allayed
• arcade
• arrayed
• assayed
• barmaid
• betrayed
• blockade
• bridesmaid
• brigade
• brocade
• buffeted

Kids Definition

free trade

noun

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