free trade zone


Free Trade Zone

An area, especially consisting of two or more countries, in which there are few or no tariffs or other trade barriers discouraging international trade. For example, the countries in a free trade zone do not subsidize favored industries in order to make them less expensive compared to international competitors. Proponents of free trade argue that it is more economically efficient and helps consumers by promoting competition to keep prices low. Critics contend that free trade is detrimental to local jobs, especially in the developed world. For example, Canada, Mexico and the United States form a free trade zone because they are all members of NAFTA.

free trade zone

see FREEPORT.

free trade zone

or

freeport

a designated area within the immediate hinterland of an air or shipping port into which IMPORTS are allowed without payment of IMPORT DUTY (TARIFFS), provided the goods are to be subsequently exported (see EXPORTS) either in their original form or as intermediate products within a final good. See ENTREPOT TRADE.