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Trade barriers work because they are effective in protecting a country’s own
interests; both industry and services sectors do need protection and promotion so
that they continue to make their contribution to the country’s economy and well-
being, keep workers employed and increase country’s prosperity without undue
competition from other countries. But, in global context, trade barriers or
protective measures may not be so beneficial as some economic protections are
more costly than others and can trigger a trade war.
As far as subsidies are concerned, poorer countries do not have the ability to
raise subsidies and are more vulnerable than richer countries in trade wars. By
raising protections against dumping of cheap products, it risks making the product
too expensive and beyond the means of its people.
Whether trade barriers work or are beneficial has different answers. When
viewed from an individual country’s perspective, in an unequal world it becomes
necessary to protect its interests and trade barrier is a handy protective tool for
the purpose. But from the world perspective, trade barriers only impede trade
and raise costs of goods and services. Yet, the least developed countries remain
helpless because they are not powerful enough to use trade barriers as protective
shield. They have to depend on richer and powerful countries for their growth
and well-being.
Rich nations must redress the deep inequities in the trade system and reverse the
marginalisation of poorer countries. However, World Trade Organisation’s current
con-figuration makes this impossible, and extending its work into new areas of
the global economy will only make matters worse.