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

Having refused to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership in 2019, a group dominated by China, New Delhi has signed free trade agreements with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. — C. Raja Mohan, Foreign Affairs, 27 Aug. 2026

Peel, who is an expert on the Mexican cattle trade, told CNN that screwworm isn’t the primary force behind high cattle prices, and sees the issue as a fig-leaf for a broader anti-free trade agenda. — Max Saltman, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026

Unlike previous tariffs, the new Canada tariffs would have applied to products compliant with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, a free trade agreement. — Michelle Stoddart, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026

Still others are noted for comparative advantages that can be exploited, like the cost of labor, strategic port access, lax customs enforcement or free trade zones. — Laura Curtis, Fortune, 13 Aug. 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)