If such retraining and relocation could be done for less, a net economic gain would be realized relative to the cost of protection. Protection also implies less trade, therefore less exports and fewer jobs in the trade sector. Trade liberalization leads to increases in imports in certain sectors of the economy and increases in exports in other areas. Again, these increases in exports create jobs. U.S. employment in export-related activities is significant.
Comparable figures are available for the agricultural sector.
The first suggests that liberalized trade leads to a loss of domestic jobs. In fact, the exact opposite can be true. Trade liberalization can lead to increased domestic employment. It is important to distinguish between the loss of specific jobs and the general level of employment. Trade liberalization can result in the elimination of jobs in specific sectors of the economy, as those who are potentially affected will quickly point out.