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ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Political and legal factors affecting business

Which of the following is generally regarded as an argument in favour of protectionist trade policies, as opposed to free trade?

Protecting infant industries is an argument for protectionism. New domestic industries may be unable to compete with established foreign firms, so tariffs or quotas shelter them while they grow. Lower prices, specialisation and economies of scale are arguments for free trade.

  1. AIt protects infant industries until they can compete internationallyCorrect
  2. BIt increases consumer choice and lowers prices
  3. CIt encourages specialisation based on comparative advantage
  4. DIt promotes economies of scale through larger markets

Explanation

Protectionism is often justified by the need to shelter new, developing industries from established foreign competitors. The other options are standard arguments for free trade, relating to choice, specialisation and scale economies.

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