free trade

American  

noun

1. trade between countries, free from governmental restrictions or duties.

2. international trade free from protective duties and subject only to such tariffs as are needed for revenue.

3. the system, principles, or maintenance of such trade.

4. Chiefly Scot. smuggling.

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free trade British  

noun

1. international trade that is free of such government interference as import quotas, export subsidies, protective tariffs, etc Compare protection

2. archaic illicit trade; smuggling

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free trade Cultural  

1. Unrestricted trade among nations without government tariffs or customs duties on imports.

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Other Word Forms

• free-trade
  adjective
• prefree-trade
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of free trade

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

The first Treasury secretary backed tariffs mostly to raise revenue and promote free trade.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 8, 2026

While the free trade deal remains in place for now, the lack of a long-term commitment creates fresh economic uncertainty across North America.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

The free trade pact will instead be subject to annual reviews, unless a country decides to withdraw entirely.

From Barron's • Jul. 1, 2026

The US, Canada and Mexico are staring down a 1 July deadline to decide the future of a long-standing North American free trade pact.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

The agent poured himself a cup of free trade coffee from the wheezing pot, took a sip, and frowned.

From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray