Arguments against protectionism (Disadvantage of free trade)

Other countries will retaliate with trade barriers

If one country introduces trade barriers to restrict imports of goods and services from other countries, those affected may introduce barriers in retaliation. A trade war may develop. The result is higher prices and fewer goods and services will be traded. This is clearly bad for consumers but if it continues it can also mean higher unemployment and slower economic growth as firms are forced out of business.

It protects inefficient domestic firms

By protecting inefficient producers at home, consumers will face higher prices and possibly lower-quality products because they will be unable to buy from more efficient, lower- cost firms overseas. If, as a result, more efficient overseas producers are forced out of business then consumers in many more countries will suffer from the inefficient allocation of global resources. Fewer goods and services will be produced globally as a result and fewer wants

The loss of domestic jobs from overseas competition will only be temporary

Many economists argue that the loss of domestic jobs as a result of competition from lower-cost firms overseas will only be temporary anyway because other firms will develop in the economy and grow to employ more workers.

Trade barriers have increased the gap between rich and poor countries.

Subsidies paid to protect farmers and other firms in rich countries have increased the  supply of agricultural and other products on the global market. Subsidies have therefore forced down world prices of many goods and producers in less developed countries have not been able to compete. As a result, sales, incomes and jobs have been lost in their countries and increased their poverty and hardship.