Explain the concept of trade protectionism.

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Explain the concept of trade protectionism.

Trade protectionism refers to the use of various measures by a country to restrict or limit the flow of goods and services from foreign countries into its domestic market. These measures are implemented with the aim of protecting domestic industries, businesses, and workers from foreign competition. Trade protectionism can take various forms, including tariffs (taxes on imported goods), quotas (limits on the quantity of imported goods), subsidies (financial assistance provided to domestic industries), and non-tariff barriers (regulations and standards that make it difficult for foreign goods to enter the market). The underlying rationale behind trade protectionism is to shield domestic industries from foreign competition, promote domestic production, and safeguard employment opportunities within the country. However, trade protectionism can also lead to higher prices for consumers, reduced product variety, and retaliation from other countries, ultimately resulting in a less efficient allocation of resources and potential harm to overall economic growth.