Protectionism

Definition

Protectionism is an economic policy aimed at shielding a country's domestic industries from foreign competition by imposing tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers. This approach is often used to promote local production and preserve jobs, as it seeks to limit the import of goods that could be produced domestically. It plays a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape and the relationship between countries in terms of trade and investment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Protectionism became especially prominent in Latin America during the 20th century as a response to economic dependency on foreign markets and investments.
2. One of the main goals of protectionism is to encourage local industries to grow by reducing competition from imports.
3. Critics argue that protectionism can lead to trade wars and negatively impact consumers through higher prices and fewer choices.
4. In many Latin American countries, protectionist policies were implemented alongside Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) strategies to foster economic independence.
5. Protectionism can result in temporary job preservation in certain sectors, but it may hinder long-term growth by reducing global competitiveness.

Review Questions

• How does protectionism influence the dynamics of the export economy and foreign investment in Latin America?
  • Protectionism influences the export economy by creating barriers that limit foreign competition, which can lead to a focus on domestic production. While this might temporarily benefit local industries, it can deter foreign investment due to perceived market restrictions. Consequently, if foreign companies feel unwelcome or unable to compete effectively, they may choose to invest elsewhere, ultimately affecting overall economic growth and innovation within the region.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of protectionist policies as part of Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) in Latin America.
  • Protectionist policies were integral to ISI as they aimed to reduce dependency on foreign goods by fostering domestic production. While these policies initially helped establish local industries, over time many faced challenges such as inefficiency, lack of innovation, and reliance on government support. As a result, while ISI had some successes in nurturing local industries, its long-term sustainability was often undermined by the very protectionist measures intended to support it.
• Analyze the long-term implications of protectionism on economic development in Latin America, considering both historical and contemporary contexts.
  • Long-term implications of protectionism in Latin America include both growth opportunities and challenges for economic development. Historically, while protectionist policies allowed for initial industrial growth and job creation, they often led to inefficiencies and an inability to compete globally. In contemporary contexts, many countries are reevaluating these strategies in light of globalization. As economies increasingly integrate into global markets, balancing protectionist measures with openness becomes essential for sustainable development, prompting ongoing debates about the role of government intervention in trade.

Related terms

Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported goods, making them more expensive and less competitive compared to domestic products.

Trade Barriers: Regulatory obstacles or restrictions that countries put in place to control the amount of trade across their borders.

Subsidies: Financial assistance provided by governments to support local businesses and industries, helping them compete against foreign imports.