Such trade is not a battle between opposing forces, as is sometimes claimed. Basically, the issue of tariffs and other trade restrictions is a moral one. This is not to deny that it is also an economic issue. It is merely a matter of emphasis. Unless economic principles are in harmony with good moral principles, they are not good economics.
Government grows strong and dictatorial by the granting of special favors.
The moral basis for free trade rests on the assumption that an individual has the right to the product of his own labor stealing is bad because ownership is good. The right to own property involves the right to use it, to keep it, to give it away, or to exchange it. Unless this is possible, one does not own property. It isn't necessary for all nations to agree jointly and simultaneously to remove restrictions. If only one nation does it, some good is accomplished both for itself and for its customers.