Matt Bufton speaks with Don Boudreaux about tariffs, free trade, and the economic misunderstandings that drive protectionist policies. Don critiques the balance of trade doctrine, drawing from historical examples and economic theory to explain why tariffs harm both consumers and producers. The discussion covers the impact of tariffs on the U.S. and Canada, how politicians exploit economic misconceptions, and why a policy of unilateral free trade would be the best path forward.
References


Globalization by Don Boudreaux

Paperback: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/globalization-9780313342134/  



The Essential Hayek by Don Boudreaux

Free PDF: https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/essential-hayek_0.pdf  



"The Case for Free Trade" by Don Boudreaux (Mercatus Center)

https://www.mercatus.org/system/files/boudreaux-benefits-free-trade-ep-v2.pdf 



"Don't Get Played By Protectionists" (Cafe Hayek)

https://cafehayek.com/2025/03/dont-get-played-by-protectionists.html 



"On America's Trade Deficit With China" by Don Boudreaux

https://thedailyeconomy.org/article/on-americas-trade-deficit-with-china/ 



"Adam Smith Doesn't Like U.S. Trade Policy" by Stuart Anderson

https://www.forbes.com/sites/stuartanderson/2018/07/18/adam-smith-doesnt-like-u-s-trade-policy/ 




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