International Trade

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International trade has always played a key role in American economic success, ever since the colonial settlers at Jamestown started shipping tobacco back to England in the 1610s.

The world of international trade has gotten a lot more complicated since then, but the same basic principles still apply.

Learn the value of free trade from an understanding of comparative advantage, then consider the effects of trade policies like tariffs, embargoes, and quotas.

Only have a minute? Read the International Trade Overview

The Stuff You Can't Miss

International Trade Best of the Web

Our Ph.D.s scoured the Web (so you don't have to).

We've got a lotta' links: video, music, websites, photos... you get the drift.

International Trade FAQ

What is a “strong“ or “weak” currency?
What is a trade surplus?
What are the basic arguments in favor of free trade?

Play Our International Trade Game

So, you think it's easy to make the big decisions? Take your turn in the hot seat.

The situation: You're the President of the United States and you've got a serious headache on your hands. Chinese producers are flooding the U.S. market with cheaper tires. Your constituents are calling for a smack-down in the form of a massive tariff. But a tariff might have all kinds of unintended consequences.

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