In the long-run, protectionism is not good for the economy. It makes consumers and businesses pay more. And whilst it may protect jobs in the short-term, the economy as a whole would be better served in allowing cheaper imports in. Although this may temporarily destroy some jobs, consumers benefit from lower prices. In turn, the income that would have been spent on the goods before can now be spent in other markets. In turn, employment is stimulated elsewhere in the economy.