This article was first published on the Institute of Economic Affairs Substack. Politicians and general non-economist commentators often talk as if … Continue reading “In defence of trade deficits”

A few weeks ago, I wrote a column for the Daily Telegraph in response to the convoy of tractors descending … Continue reading “Free trade vs “self-sufficiency” in agriculture: a rejoinder to my critics”

Opposition to tariff-free access to UK markets for Australian farmers is protectionism, pure and simple. Minette Batters, president of the … Continue reading “Three cheers for free trade with Australia”

One of the challenges for free traders is that whenever trade barriers are lowered, while consumers gain from lower prices … Continue reading “Ignore the lobbyists – free trade with Australia would be a boon for consumers”

Responding to the news that Britain it to use its G7 presidency to press for reform of the World Trade … Continue reading “UK right to call for WTO reform, says IEA expert”

In the months since Brexit, the British government has moved assertively to demonstrate its commitment to free trade. The UK … Continue reading “Think Tent 2020: UK free trade after Brexit – the United States and beyond”

In April, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) published its latest trade forecast predicting global trade in goods would fall by … Continue reading “How will Covid-19 affect global trade?”

Today marks the 155th anniversary of the death of one of the most important figures in the history of free … Continue reading “Richard Cobden: the unsung hero of free trade”

There is no shortage of analysis, and certainly no shortage of polemic, on whether globalisation is a good thing. There … Continue reading “Is protectionism making a comeback? (Part 1)”