The deceptive promise of free trade | DW Documentary

Global trade is a hot topic of the G7 summit in Canada. Is free trade truly free - and fair? What roles do US President Trump, economic powerhouse China, and the EU play in global trade?
When it comes to global trade, it would seem that trickery, threats and deception are the order of the day - yet all this takes place largely beyond the reach of the public eye. Donald Trump has made "America First” his agenda and rallying cry. Along with aiming sharp criticism at global export champion Germany, Trump has also introduced punitive tariffs and warned of further measures. Will this fresh wave of protectionism lead to economic isolationism and threaten global free trade? And what about those for whom free trade’s promise of prosperity increasingly rings hollow? Around the world, many people have come to regard themselves as the losers of globalization. If the true winners of free trade and globalization are not ordinary citizens, has the time come to revise the liberal orthodoxy of free trade? This documentary visits Germany, Switzerland, the United States and Cameroon to explore these issues by way of some everyday examples, including the trade in onions, floor tiles, and bicycles.
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[@rljpdx]

I'm an American citizen. I love these DW broadcasts I catch on KZbin. They are very enlightening and lack the feel of propaganda. It seems to be a service I can trust. Great reporting guys.

[@lou-nc4rc]

And for the most part, a better discussion has occurred about the film than you would ordinarily get because people do care. Barring some who have made it too simplistic and jingoistic.

[@BryanChance]

I feel the same. DW is the few remaining source that consistently provide honest and unbiased news on meaningful topics and events that help people make informed decisions that impact their lives. Having said that, Deutsche Welle, being a publicly funded organization appears to operate independently. Public broadcasting in the United States have been politicized, in my opinion. I stopped watching them years ago.

[@ridgemondhigh4891]

Actually, DW documentaries *do* have a feel of bias and propaganda --- one against corruption, deceit, treachery, injustice, totalitarianism, violence and environmental degradation.

[@p.b4287]

How do you feel while looking at European news?

[@p.b4287]

@@ridgemondhigh4891 I really love these documentaries. But it is press, not a freedom fighter. Don't expect more than what Journalism can provide: good quality information.

[@Jaze2022]

I have first hand experience that the majority of people will not buy local if there's a cheaper alternative. They don't even consider quality or value. People's actions are more truthful than what they say they believe.

[@rudolphbennett3988]

TRUE WORDS

[@farmerfreakeasy9577]

Purchasing power is 1 of your 2 main powers in life(your other main power is influencing others through entertainment or literature). So if government keeps wages detrimentally low, then it renders you powerless. You no longer have the choice to choose between factory-farmed or organic. Mass-produced or independent. Foreign import or locally produced. It means poor people have no way of influencing their future. Or indeed, of choosing between unhealthy or a healthier alternative(poor people are always meant to be unhealthier than the rich).

[@Phoenix98199]

Farmer Freakeasy Spot on. We’re all slaves 😞

[@avaborch-solem2300]

Farmer Freakeasy You forgot possibly the most important power, which is the power to vote

[@tomviktorsson5052]

logically , shits made locally should always be cheaper than imported , cost of transportation and other costs should add up to that . However global trade isnot free , and it had never been free . Subsidies against tax and regulations .

[@loyina310]

24:24 One thing that frustrates me about powerful countries. They always want what's fair as long as it puts them on top.

[@beco5002]

That's the case with every country.

[@ofAwxen]

@@beco5002 While is true that all nations act out of self-interest, it's currently only European and Anglican countries that apply laws, narratives and practices that suppress the trading capacities of 'underdeveloped' countries so that they always remain client states to the west.

[@colder5465]

@@beco5002 Absolutely. But not every country calls this fair and honest.

[@icemike1]

Only a stupid country outsources its manufacturing

[@icemike1]

All countries subsidiary business

[@amitkumar-sz6ze]

The quantity of reporting on these DW documentaries is amazing!! Kudos for standing up for real democracy!!

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @amit kumar, Thanks for watching and your positive feedback, we appreciate it! The DW Documentary Team

[@MrD_2112]

Competitive Market Capitalism is the only true democracy.

[@nay4658]

@@MrD_2112 When the big fish can eat the small fish. When the cheap using slaves can undermine the efficient with good working conditions. There was a war about that in the US, it even split de country in half. But now China does it its ok because its "competitive".

[@DefenderPuma]

It's not reporting buddy, it's propaganda

[@Vandavis10]

Hello from Oakland County, Michigan, home of the auto industry. I recently found DW Documentary and just wanted to say thank you for doing such fine work. Your videos are a true pleasure to watch. It is so interesting to learn how international trade policies are effecting others from different parts of the world. I feel compassion for these people. My family felt a direct impact when all the auto companies in the area re-located as my Dad had 20 years into working for an auto supplier. In this day and age, I believe that common folk from all over need to stick together because we are all being impacted by the global concept of "free trade". #unite

[@francoislechanceux5818]

idiot. you are not American

[@willlewis9194]

We are working on finding a way to move our two factories from Asia to Michigan though we are a British company; we just need to deal with the US red tape

[@Only-one-life-68]

François Lechanceux What crap are you talking about,how on this earth do you know this..!!

[@reinterpret_cast]

What is the difference in pronunciation of "can" and "can't" in American English?

[@silver3785]

@@reinterpret_cast the t at the end is audible

[@IIVVBlues]

This documentary should be shown in all high schools and should be required viewing for discussion in every college teaching economics. Very well done.

[@themaskedman221]

This documentary can't be shown in schools because it's essentially pseudo-economics masquerading as reality. In no economics textbook in any school anywhere in the US will you find this BS.

[@MegaBruh-fr6mt]

I agree, people need to know that protectionist policies help protect consumers from low prices.

[@heldermboungou]

This movie has made Kako Nubukpo's point much more clear in my head, this is actually what doesn't allow Africa's growth, Africa needs to be isolated in order to make its revolution as Europe did. Indeed, thanks DW for sharing us all these relevant realities, I stay tuned.

[@sbcreationshirsath1249]

."

[@dadikkedude]

Or Africa should colonize and devide Europe for a few hundred years

[@abelsoo5465]

@@dadikkedude No chance. Most African countries cannot even get themselves in order due to tribal tensions , mismanagements and corrupt politicians, how are they going to project power overseas? Africa is too aid dependant that renders it at the mercy of outside great powers. I am politically incorrect and just stating the obvious.

[@ghfdr2457]

@@abelsoo5465 a comment from an misinformed and eurocentric perspective sir (my apologies but english isn't my native language. But I'll make it as clear as possible) "Tribal tensions" is one of those western fantasm used to label african people as primitive compared to western so idealized melting-pot. But you must understand that it's been a part of sociocultural base in many countries, which was completely destroyed during the colonization, then labeled as a bad thing by the colonizers when they put their choosen local elites to power, and on the end used as a destabilization tool by western powers to keep their geopolitical interests in these countries (but here I can concede that many politicians use this tool to their advantage now. Nothing to do with western powers. But it's clearly encouraged by the latters as their interests are not threatened. And the so called "aid" is the second part of the game... Talking about that foreign "aid". No. It's not ! That's a complete bullsh#@*€ narrative to make western people feel kind of superior. Tha fact is: it's an investment. It has always been an investment to make sure that the local elites align to thé interests of massively corrupted organizations such as UN, WB, NATO, EU. The mechanism's simple: we keep you to power. In exchange we provide you with aid, which will benefit to our multinational firms first when a public project is called. You also agree to widely open your markets to our products, protecting our labor market to the depends of yours. Then we'll support you and you govt with aid. Fail to implement this, and you'll soon have a taste of our fight for democracy and djihadism ... (Yes, you get it. Djihadism is a part of the democratical package for weak countries) So, be careful to your statements when considering this as typically African. Many people in western countries do not understand (or even try) that this mess is closely tied to the wealth and development of their nations. This is not to discharge African elites from their responsibilities. But you have to understand that this situation is encouraged and financed (thru that aid, which is a softened corruption, for African public opinion) by western govt. Hence, you can understand why this unstability cannot allow this continent to build it's own forces and project abroad. And why they are now considering other billateral options such as Russia and China. Africa must own its economical and political paradigm first. And Western bloc does not want it to happen, as it will threaten its influence and world leadership. That free trade thing was and has never been a fair game to begin with. To much political and geopolitical factors in it. I'm opened to the discussion about this, if you want.

[@johnsonolajide4647]

@@ghfdr2457 I do agree with you about foreign Aids in Africa continent. Some years ago the Australian prime minister said we give aids to foreign countries to gains more from them. Foreign Aids is like giving someone $10 and get $100 in return.

[@sheybamenjowirngo1137]

It was 2014 when I made my famous speech about the malaise of International Trade in my last year at the University (Faculty of Economics science and Applied Management) of Douala. And I used a famous example, how can my country Cameroon produce wood and still import Toothpicks.

[@specialiseesi6746]

I'm from Brazil and have experienced this drama all my life with our destroyed economy. THANK YOU SO MUCH for showing our side of the story. Brilliant journalism and production.

[@wolfy1987]

I'm the second owner of a US made 1970's Schwinn bicycle. Still solid, still running strong

[@martinthemillwright]

theviet no man they’re all American. Have a nice day

[@lashlarou9600]

I have a 53 schwinn. I ride that bike everyday to work. 67 year old bike , made in America.

[@nothereandthereanywhere]

Bicycle is one of the products that can last ages. Keep it strong and in good state! I love push-bikes...

[@bluecalu7944]

Asian country is digging raw materials. Raw materials from asia are selling cheap. Export to big country. Sell high. Who is gaining? Those people from? 😊😊

[@texasray5237]

They WERE all American. But not after 1981 In late 1980, the Schwinn Chicago factory workers voted to affiliate with the United Auto Workers. Plant assembly workers began a strike for higher pay in September 1980, and 1,400 assembly workers walked off the job for thirteen weeks. Although the strike ended in February 1981, only about 65% of the prior workforce was recalled to work. By this time, increasingly stiff competition from lower-cost competition in Asia resulted in declining market share. These problems were exacerbated by the inefficiency of producing modern bicycles in the 80-year-old Chicago factory equipped with outdated equipment and ancient inventory and information systems. After numerous meetings, the board of directors voted to source most Schwinn bicycle production from their established bicycle supplier in Japan, Panasonic Bicycle. As Schwinn's first outsourced bicycles, Panasonic had been the only vendor to meet Schwinn's production requirements. Later, Schwinn would sign a production supply agreement with Giant Bicycles of Taiwan. As time passed, Schwinn would import more and more Asian-made bicycles to carry the Schwinn brand, eventually becoming more a marketer than a maker of bikes.

[@meyejasmedia]

It's essential for countries to have the capability to produce what they consume, and also to keep skill levels high of the next generation

[@lazry3208]

Wise words for a peepee

[@effexon]

yeah in longterm this will prevent migrant flood to europe and other places, coz if you have some crfisis and europea or china crop is bad, they have no food and thus start to travel around... so multiple sources is better, domestic production + import, but in balance that neither is dominant. Best way to drop population is to deny them these skills and opportunities, no matter how trivial those look, but young people start from nothing.

[@vanessawilliams4432]

This is why everything is sky high in our country while all companies are in countries where there's plenty of cheap labor! Meanwhile we're paying more an more for items that cost us half when the companies were in our country. That was the worst idea when letting all of our jobs leave here. Look around at the empty factories standing an rotting. This needs to be reversed or it is going to get much worse! Paying double for things that were made a better quality here for less is pure stupidity an they're still not seeing the big picture!!!!

[@chrisalmighty]

I have come across this documentary on DW channel in 2020 which is 1.5 years since it was made. The quality and research that went into it is super excellent and impressive.

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @Chris Almighty, We're really glad you found us! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. :-) We really appreciate your positive feedback. All the best, The DW Documentary Team

[@aqkhan6593]

Plz can you tell me the purpose of this video

[@MegaBruh-fr6mt]

They lie by omission. Not once did they mention what impact protectionist policies have on the consumer.

[@angelobugini6771]

The deceptive promisse of free trade is an astonishing documentary! I truly did appreciate it so much. Thanks a lot for sharing! Keep it up!

[@danishpride1]

My Oral B toothbrush is made in Germany. I was very surprised that it wasn't made in China

[@exstazius]

The parts are made in china. It is assembled in Germany probably

[@alansmlth7989]

Hmmm, could possibly be made in China! More of that deception!

[@cerverg]

It's not. Probably is made in Poland

[@MS-yx3dr]

The plastic tube is surely made in china

[@RedRider1600]

@@exstazius They said it was assembled in Taiwan.

[@GibsonGachago]

This documentary is extremely accurate. As a Kenyan, I have seen many industries collapse due to cheap imports, from agriculture to textiles to tyres to car assembly and other industries. Many companies simply can't compete with the imports from China and other Asian countries, and have either shifted production there or just shut down. A good example is that fish sold in Kisumu City, which is next to Lake Victoria, is increasingly comprising imported fish from China due to the low price of Chinese fish

[@foundersproject]

Are you complaining that you have access to cheaper goods?

[@GibsonGachago]

@@foundersproject yeah, actually...As a producer that is bad. As a consumer, not so bad .. How will you not have immigrants if even farming jobs and crops go to Europeans?

[@sotch2271]

​@@foundersprojectyes, its less economic activity, less taxes for the gov, less jobs, and less expertise in your country But i guess paying ,30 cents less really is worth it

[@GibsonGachago]

​@@sotch2271not worth it if your ability to make the 30 cents is diminished.

[@lucas8752]

Protectionism is vital for a developing/industrializing economy, while free trade is vital for developed/industrialized economies.

[@sergeseanmison7787]

The EU needs to see the bigger picture. These predatory trade practice's are a big reason why people are risking their lives to reach your shores. I'm not against trade, I'm for more balanced trade which leads to actual fair trade.

[@Monaleenian]

Serge Sean mison Not even close. People come from badly governed countries to well governed countries in order to make a better life for themselves. What is predatory about these trade practices? Which trade practices? All trade is voluntary. If either party to a trade doesn't want the trade to take place, then it doesn't, and the status quo can be maintained. Both parties to a trade only complete a trade if they each feel that they will be better off after completing the trade.

[@exstazius]

@@Monaleenian not really. International companies control trade deals not countries

[@prettisibbs2176]

⁠@@Monaleeniandon’t be naive there are no fair trade deals where corruption is involved

[@jailtonnascimento7482]

Excellent piece! I never understood the meaning of "Free Trade", since tariffs and protectionism always existed. This documentary tells the real truth about it.

[@C.E.Thomas1952]

I'm right there with you about not understanding before and what an irony calling it FREE trade. Why oh why is it always about greed and big corporate power? Why can we not have a win win solution? Isn't DW just the best!!! Highly complex subject excellently explained.

[@sotch2271]

@Jacqueline Lion its free because nothing stop the trade between border, but its all except free, someone pay for it, and it this in jobs avalibility, work condition and ecological impact that those jobs will pay the free trade Just like freehealtcare isn't really free, free trade isnn't really free

[@georgezaharoff]

I agree with the Swiss farmer on doing things effectively. I also love the fabric of Mr. Ritter’s shirt at 33:38 :)

[@iammarwa]

If you watched this till the End you realize Africa is the last place where the bullet hits.

[@Metal0sopher]

Life is like an Olympic race. There is only one winner, most are in the middle, and there is always one that's last. Unfortunately for Africa it is the one that's last. And it is too far behind now to ever catch up. Technology is moving too fast. Every decade is a new world. The only option is respect. There is nothing wrong with being technologically behind as long as there is mutual respect between all people.

[@lacdirk]

@@Metal0sopher This is overly pessimistic. Most African countries are now developing the physical, political and legislative infrastructure to trade more between themselves. This will not just reduce their dependence on Europe, it will also allow the development of international supply chains. Those have a chance to compete globally, and offer the members the opportunity to specialise.

[@gandydancer637]

What "bullet"? Netherlands is sending onions to Cameroon, not bullets. And all the onion eaters in Cameroon can eat cheaper onions and have more to spend on other things that you presumably like, like education. The former onion growers grow casavas, so casavas are cheaper in Cameroon, too.

[@lacdirk]

@James B No one says that because it is not true. The trade deficit is larger now than it was under Obama. BTW, trade deficits are not intrinsically bad, as it means that foreigners are taking dollars in exchange for actual goods and services. Any dollars not used to buy goods or services from the US are then invested in the US. That means cheaper loans, cheaper public debt and a higher stock market. But if you wan to reduce trade deficits, you don't go protectionist like Lightizer and Trump did. It simply invites retaliation, and reduces the weight of the US economy in the global economy further.

[@christineknight7299]

@@lacdirk it's the Behind the development that calls the shots, Not what you see out front.....

[@guagua2490]

it's not only consumerism that can change the situation but the elephant in the room not addressed yet is...the stock market. When companies go public, corporate greed dictates for there to be year on year profits and dividends to investors. This forces companies to outsource to other countries for better profits. I haven't seen any reporting on this issue yet.

[@AbdallahBiri]

This documentary is truly eye-opening, I have never looked at this matter from the point of view that you presented.

[@evska2012]

Very good documentary. I was curious about international trade, this answered many questions. Very interesting. Thank you.

[@MrDanielfff777]

This is very one sided, doesn't show the benifits

[@markmorales476]

Bold reporting and critique. No media source does this in the US.

[@BigKatz]

Another well produced documentary from DW, focused on the issue, not the political fights enveloping it.

[@sfbluestar]

This is such an informative program! I summarize my take away and some thoughts: 1. Benefit of trade is specialization thus higher production efficiency 2. Problems of free trade are mainly two: A) trade imbalance between countries B) Within every country, some industries gain while some lose. 3. Therefore, the key to free trade issue is also two principles. Countries should work toward trade balance, meaning we don't take money from each other. China would not like that, but that's only fair. Then, each country government should implement domestic policies that take from those benefiting from free trade and help those impacted by free trade transition to other industries.

[@katthecat6375]

thanks!

[@montazownianr1]

Only socialists see problem in free market.

[@ainenterprises3081]

I appreciate DWs this unbiased and bold documentary.

[@clintonwashington8609]

@Ain enterprises yeah they almost lost me with the right wing talk and pulled the rug at the last second. Great storytelling

[@MegaBruh-fr6mt]

Horrifyingly biased and deceptive documentary.

[@espenbjerke1905]

40 minutes of "its complicated"

[@ugooko7569]

is not complicated stop free trade Africa suffer the most.

[@Liberty8775]

“When goods don't cross borders, Soldiers will". -Frédéric Bastiat (1801-1850)

[@grahamt5924]

Very well said.

[@j.r.1903]

well. using quotes from 170 years ago didnt seem to be a thing that only marxists do

[@gunncessna9359]

Nonsense

[@danielMN]

@@j.r.1903 denying historic facts and lessons is madness & a sign of immaturity

[@kingfedrick4698]

@@danielMN who ever said that was a fact. Just because someone said something a long time ago doesn't make it true.

[@gsmd770]

Wow as an American living in Germany and a love for expense bikes. This is a little shock. If all the frames are made dirt cheap? Why do they charge so much damn money for something that isn't even made in Germany anymore? Bikes haven't gotten cheaper,but more expensive! I knew about the big American brands back at home,cause I own a Specialized Epic 2008-2009 model. Made in Taiwan but wasn't at all cheap. None of the countries build they're products in America or Germany anymore,but they're still damn expensive?! Think of how many workers lost they're jobs at home in the states and in Germany. It makes me not want to stop buying the products? Free trade is suppose to make everything cheaper but I beg to differ.

[@WANDERER0070]

gsmd770 Why does Apple phone cost 1000$ when it cost about 20$ to make.. Bc people are stupid to pay it

[@walden6272]

Hence why I don't buy name brand. They are all made the by the same manufacturers.

[@Commentator541]

Correct. Everything but the specialist goods are made in pretty much the exact same way.

[@kevinloving5688]

Yes these companies like that bicycle manufacture in Germany charges like he is using German workers. I bought a Chinese built electric tricycle for $1,300

[@yonathannegash5675]

Thank you DW for making these amazing documentaries!

[@lifetop10s96]

There are so many key factors to ponder in this documentary. It makes me think of things that I never really considered or understood before. For instance some countries are being taken over by the Chinese very quietly because of their cheap goods and sometimes low or no import duties. This is usually the case because of corrupt politicians but also ignorance from the general public. As they could make a stand if they knew what was truly at stake.

[@voregse427]

It is funny that after colonizing and stealing our resources people call these puppet governments as a problem of our nation. I will not give my 1 year salary for overpriced American junk like iPhone, I will buy Xiaomi and use for years without any problem. Westerners can't decide what is our situation!

[@katthecat6375]

amazingly put my friend :D

[@MegaBruh-fr6mt]

Yeah I'm against the establishment! Let's give the establishment more power to fight the establishment!

[@Hever73]

The American lady is wearing an Apple watch, where is it made? in China

[@JonesJr876]

Allow her some things.

[@dannyc.hannel9505]

Not hers it was specially made in Hoboken Nj for her and a small group of her fairy tale friends that her fairytale hubby had made made for their fairytale wedding in fact hes off in Neverland designing the first toaster made in USA

[@pkScary]

This channel is a treasure. So glad I found an interesting, unbiased source with which to educate myself.

[@lubanskigornik282]

the report is missing to mention how much CO2 is unnecessary produced during transporting the goods around the world. It is something the environmentalist should take care of and they do not see it ether.

[@HadjiSall]

Great point

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

Here we are, approximately a year after this was aired. And we are learning the hard lesson about the failure of putting too much productivity in the hands of too few.

[@tplondon]

So true it took the virus to bring it all out

[@zoezoe610]

Simply put if you put all the fish in one tank then all the big fish will eat up the smaller fish. So it is with free trade when all economies are put into one economic tank and the biggest fish eats all other economies. In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement came into play when the US saw that it would be a huge benefit to flood global markets with it's goods and now it has lost it's edge forever as it never expected a country like China to surpass it.

[@ridgemondhigh4891]

Finally, a balanced, realistic, informative documentary on such a controversial issue. Essentially, there is the this all or nothing, black-and-white view of free-trade vs protectionism. The Swiss and Germans take the most practical approach, for their citizens.

[@grahamt5924]

It's the problem that trump is trying to redress. Yes he may be using a sledge hammer but at some point something needs to give.

[@LuckyLucky-xp2sz]

I love DW TV for balance documentary. I love them.

[@kenclarkii2261]

@@grahamt5924 every president before him let it get so bad, its the only way to fix it.

[@freddyromariovasquezcairo2250]

@@grahamt5924 The problem with trump is his attitude, nobody wants to deal with an asshole even if he is right

[@Ninjaguiden89]

Thank you for a very interesting and eye-opening doc. Its such a complex issue it's hard to see clear answers.

[@SajjadAli-xs2rp]

A productive Documentary in terms of knowledge, Nicely explained, Thanks DW.

[@MrRight-fu1gf]

When the West is losing you need protectionism. Funny they never said any of this during the start of globalization and free trade. When the West had no competition free trade was promoted so that other countries could not develop their own industries.

[@brucesong6738]

Mr. Right I totally agree with you!

[@Adam-mi3hb]

Why do you think the 3rd world are even capable to compete today? because of westerrn aid and companies.

[@ormancadam6453]

@@Adam-mi3hb aid ? Value of Their aid is equaling aiding a drug addict to aquire his next fix by giving him money. West is not helping anyone. Dont be so naive . West is over producing in their factories and farms, reeking the benefits of it. Because production on a mass scale considerably lowers the cost and incease the profit. And left face it Without these under developed counties west wouldnt be where its is at right now...

[@charleskaplan5561]

China subsidises a lot of their industries without which these producers would be bankrupt, this in turn depresses price on the selling end this putting western competitors out of business. For them it is about keeping their population at work.

[@randallkarlin4115]

BW MadDog [retired] 100% right

[@georgfriedrichhandel4390]

The biggest problem with free trade agreements like the WTO, IMO, is that they see people only as consumers. They like to preach the low prices on products made in low-wage countries (though many economists have said that this is a fallacy) but people are not just consumers; they are also workers, business owners, homeowners and parents and if they lose their jobs and their businesses to low-wage countries because of free trade, they're not going to care what the cost of a dvd player is if they can't pay their mortgage.

[@theonioncutter8864]

Free trade preaches low prices, but it also preaches specialization. It expects capital and labour to be reallocated into industries a country has comparative advantage, and income will come from producing these specialized goods for the rest of the world to buy. However, realistically, its not easy for workers to be retrained and just suddenly change jobs, which is why we have this never-ending debate on free trade vs protectionism.

[@themaskedman221]

@@theonioncutter8864 We have this never-ending debate because one, the public doesn't seem to understand economic logic; and two, the US government won't do what every other developed country does, which is to provide people with an adequate welfare net. That the basic security needs of individuals are tied to their employment is what needs to end.

[@251198yash]

@@theonioncutter8864 It is hard to retrain and suddenly change jobs, however I consider this to be an effect of the speed at which things change nowadays. By not allowing those who have a comparative advantage to produce the basic things, there is little people in poorer nations can do. They do not have the training or knowledge to shift industries, or even a capital and financial system that allows them to access to new opportunities. People will bemoan the effects as they personally feel them, but forget about the harsh conditions billions of people live in. In most developed nations there is some social welfare, no matter how small. In countries which are still developing access to basic needs are a challenge and if you end up with no prospects, you would likely die of starvation. The protectionist policies in the long term would lead to slower changes, many people from the poor countries will move for better living conditions and then others will bemoan immigration and the loss of jobs in that fashion. This may also lead to protectionist policies in those nations, limiting flow of goods and loss of future prospects.

[@thedesire2512]

28:49, the seller advertising "international" onions, lmao

[@wolfy1987]

And everyone needs to be doing as much domestically as possible, including Africa. Make everything you can. Import what you can't

[@obiyanko2019]

Precisely. That's what commonsense economics is about!

[@feetcapetown8312]

Correct

[@michaelf.2449]

@44444 777 nah as long as we have oil we'll leave everyone alone.

[@j.r.a5387]

I agree 1000%

[@AdwinLauYuTan]

Didn't mercantilism encourage colonialism?

[@Zajebancije]

@18:15 She says Buy American, but then she drives a Volvo!? What a hypocrite!

[@WANDERER0070]

Dejan Zajebancije Maybe Volvo is better?

[@Senaleb]

She hates Trump..pretends to support buy american...doesn't buy american..I think we can cast her opinion in the toilet lol. Honestly ...this documentary is spot on though..it's REALLY hard to find anything that isn't made in china.

[@JonesJr876]

Allow her one foreign thing.

[@erniew5805]

all the other things she buys don't equal the volvo. so buy american kind of loses out

[@JSkyGemini]

Dejan, that irritated me too, especially when she was talking about the Chevy dealership where she used to sell their cars. She annoyed me from the start and then there she is in a Volvo.

[@jearwood85]

Great documentary. Unbiased and fair. Well done!

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @James Earwood, Thanks for taking the time to comment, we appreciate the feedback. Best, The DW Documentary Team

[@dirremoire]

Well, not 100% fair and unbiased. The allegation that the Chinese government subsidizes the bicycle manufacturer is stated without any evidence at all.

[@ahmedeox]

Watching this in quarantine. I have to say it aged beautifully

[@CarlosEBernal]

An excellent documentary on trade from DW. DW media produces the best journalizing in a balance way and in a form that is straight forward and understandable. Thank you very much for producing and sharing this film.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you very much Carlo for your comment, we really appreciate your words of support!

So as a consumer everyone wants quality and affordable goods, as an employee a lot of jobs and high wages. Is it just me who can feel the two clashing? One can not produce cheap goods while getting high wages and a lot of jobs for it.

[@rogerk6180]

Krisztián Kőrösi without tarifs you dont have jobs to go to and earn a salary to buy anything..

[@karlwhalls2915]

Good, cheap, or fast. Pick 2

[@deniseproxima2601]

Krisztián Kőrösi Reduce the people. The problem is to much people and the grow.

[@jen_nice2059]

You make a great point. I think as consumers we need to understand the real impact of our choices.

[@olanlevan8470]

The only difference between cheap and affordable is how the profits and the wages are distributed. If its 'cheap' to produce (outsourcing), then more profit goes to the top 10% and less goes to the worker. But if you pay fair wages (domestic), more profit goes to the worker and less goes to the corporation. As far as the consumer, it doesn't matter because he/she will still pay the same for a product regardless of where it is made. Finally, higher wages create a strong middle class, whereas lower wages redistribute wealth to the top 10%. Either way the product will sell for the same price, as dictated by supply and demand, and one can argue that higher wages create more demand thus more profit!

[@baronvonbowel]

Did I just hear a German say that Donald Trump has a point?

[@TsarOfRuss]

ofcourse ! only the governments nag about Trump, the common people agree with Trump especially on immigration

[@badguy5192]

Maeu, he didn't say anything about Immigrants stealing jobs, you did 🙄 Most Americans from all class are quite successful and hardworking or else they wouldn't be where they are, so don't make things up. Most people are lazy. Its good for immigrants to come over and work for less (most times) but not for locals that know their rights/worth. Immigrants help a country but at the same time can hurt it.

[@shaclo1512]

Most Germans like Trump, but our media and government make it look like we hate him.

[@p.b4287]

@@shaclo1512 No, I don't believe you at all. Trump is incompatible with European standards. Much more with German ones.

[@pathfinderwellcare]

Outstanding journalism! Thank you DW 🙏🏽

[@blauwzakjecrack]

Dw seem not to have an agenda or bias view in their documentary`s. I highly respect that! Vielen dank liebe deutsche nachbarn

[@brownerjerry174]

Sometimes they are biased,,,like in that french nuclear energy video,,,they were clearly just selling the German or should I say german govt. Perspective,,,

[@MrBemnet1]

They are anti free trade

[@psychout3481]

lol. You seem quite naive. Watch some of their Chinese, Russian or French documentary, you'll see some subtle hidden agenda, bias and propaganda.

[@WilliamFang173]

I like that DW provides a different view to British/American commentators.

[@grahamt5924]

You could have made this documentary yourself if you had just thought about it for 1 day. It's such an obvious problem. Importing is only really justified to bring in essential raw materials. Having open borders is only valid if you have full employment. When full employment drops tariffs are needed to go back to full employment

[@francoislechanceux5818]

Are British/American commentators the most important human beings on Earth ?

[@truthseeker803]

24:26 The Usual Double Standard of developed countries from; Economy to Democracy and freedom of expression in developing countries.

[@raycon921]

In Eastern Europe we have tariffs imposed on cheaper Chinese products so we can buy Western products at high prices

[@pl4673]

great analysis, flow and speed..

[@spelunkerd]

There are two sides to every thoughtful discussion, and good documentaries expose both sides. You have nicely shown how local food producers can sell their products for more if imports from other countries are barred from competition. Not even mentioned is the fact that consumers in that same country will end up paying more for the same food. Everybody eats food, but only a fraction of the population sell that food. So, you make everybody in the country pay more for food, to benefit a minority who want to charge more for something that can be made more efficiently elsewhere. Even worse, when a country penalizes imports, don't be surprised if other countries erect reciprocal trade barriers against your exports. So, those avocados that are more easily made in your favorable climate are slapped with extra duty when exported to other countries. In the end, everybody pays for extra taxation, both ways, and trade is stifled when consumers are barred from making their own decisions. Unfortunately, extra taxes have a way of disappearing to corruption and inefficiency rather than being reinvested wisely in a country.

[@Zopdoz]

I think you're kind of missing the whole point of the documentary. These well-off countries were once themselves protectionists & rightly so for the benefit of their country's production industries while they were still in their infancy stages. Now that they've developed into the powerhouses they are, they've turned around & are doing the very same thing they stood against to poorer nations. Flooding their markets with cheaper imports & rendering the local businesses useless because of how futile it is to compete against manufacturing giants. It has to do with securing a nation's basic needs in key areas that are necessary for the overall security in terms of production of local basic goods. So what if it benefits a few entrepreneurs & businessmen ? They've stepped up to take on the tasks of producing those very goods that are essential to keep a country self sufficient in key areas, nothing wrong with that.

[@nickplays2022]

I would agree with you but let's remember that differences in product prices may come from different levels of protection of human rights and the environment

[@kevinloving5688]

Okay but those workers also are consumers of want they farm no workers no customers.

[@ishanbansal3560]

Hi in devolping country especially in africa most of population is in agriculture as labour yes they dont have big farms to sell food but large population sometimes up tp80 90% depend on food that is also reason 1st stage out of 5 stages of economic devolpment is local agriculture growth increasing production

[@sanjayatimilsina5799]

they have mentioned it time and again in the documentary.

[@wwondertwin]

Free trade works between markets that are about equal. It works between Northern America and the EU, but not between a developed nation and a developing nation.

[@mrsonguku]

skymooov1 not really. Take a look at the US putting tariffs on imports from the EU and Canada.

[@UCiWrMgES50tlUhV3l6NqjNA]

irrelevant comments, the point was to differentiate the developed nations stance vs the developing nations.

[@markcasila8310]

Mr Songuku the problem is that a lot of products got exported to the Us from Eu that are actualy made in china .. we have the example of the bycicles suposedly made in germany that is the main reason of the tarifs on eu products and also canada and mexico www.statista.com/statistics/388835/bicycle-production-in-the-european-union-eu-by-country/ now see how the market is distorted the top 3 italy realy produces the bicycles in italy, mainly all parts curiosly they import frames produced in portugal and portugal imports parts produced in italy porutgal also produces the bycicles in portugal ... but aparently the germany production is a cheme they are mainly produced in china for exemple polando also produces in poland

[@skyenddragon2225]

People are selfish and hypocritical. They advocate something which was designed to benefit themselves but end up hating it because it backfires on them. WTO is a case in point.

[@holybailjung6268]

skymooov1 it is not as simple as you said in a complex world. The best arrangement is for mutually respected agreement for balance developments and job security where possible. Where china has made sdjustment to own steel industry by reduntancy and cutbacks, why can't the rest of world? It can't be they die, then we live on. It must be worked out to mutual satisfaction, not going to war with sanction, not going to confrontation with ever-killing power of wasteful new weapon systems. It is not about making american great again, it is about making american break-down or bleed again! The proof is in the loss od industries, loss od productive jos to othet countries, and the syndrome of fear and mistrust in the progressive countries. The deeds of sanctions against countries for decades, making countries bruptrupt by wool-shearing, color revolution, reserve currenct status, prodding up mi,itary industrial complex by stirring managed unrest across the world, ignoring undevloped and developing countries' needs, and political intimidatons must come to end. Yes, the exclusive right to print unlimited dollar is fleecing the world at the expense of hard work of others is the same as stealing gold entrusted to its vault for safekeeping. Where is the gold for return? There is never any decency in the world by yhe powerful but poor #1 superpower. Uk, france, italy and other now are following the u-s lead for freeloading because thet have little to get by. Frightening truth.

[@anariel2191]

The best part is the "do not throw" label on the huuuge boxes for the bikes...

[@ericm.foster5212]

Advancing automation will change EVERYTHING!

[@milesinnz]

AI is the particular brand of automation that will change as much as the introduction of the computer in commerce did..

[@echelon2k8]

"Advancing automation will change EVERYTHING!" China's counting on it!

[@MairaBay]

Yes, instead of things being made in cheap labour countries they will be made by cheap AI/Automation. Salaries for humans will continue on the way down.

[@todtnau]

This has to be *the* documentary on the year. DW is as balanced as it can get.

[@schatzeeone6230]

Manuel Jose How do you figure that? Criticizing US trade protection while applauding EU trade protection isn’t what I’d call “balanced”.

[@mdsoulsounds]

buy local....

[@hitesh11111]

Thanks for the wonderful documentary. Plz make a another report on same topic

[@maritzabernalgomez4766]

Thank you SO MUCH DW Documentary!!! You are just the best!!!💫😘

[@DWDocumentary]

Hi @Maritza Bernal, thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. We appreciate the positive feedback!

[@rickwankan2674]

Excellent and it was done with looking at all sides thank you and keep up the good work...

[@Barskor1]

Yes deceptive because that "Free Trade" has a tens of thousands of regulations attached to it.

[@abebelin3307]

Dw documentaries are super, rare jgenuine journalism in the world today. Please keep this up one day the world will realize your authenticity. Thanks

[@andratoma9834]

Switzerland is a smart country! Supporting domestic food security is the MOST IMPORTANT THING!

[@user-tm5dw8if1z]

i do appreciate this documentary. thankyou

[@luigili7728]

When other countries complain Chinese government subsidies, do they think that it is impossible for a government to subsidy industries in large scale, because governments also need revenues. True reason for business winner is always cheapness and efficiency.

[@holybailjung6268]

Luigi LI finally the truth on the lie about china subsizing the industrieson large scale. The common thread is always chinese government subsidies for industries, china threat, china stealing amercan jobs, china stealing trade or commercial secrets... where is the proof in the news by the u-s and britis media coverage. These media with the state department and pentagon is not for intectual integrity or journslistic honesty.

[@fana406]

Correct me if I’m wrong: so the government taxes goods coming into the country and then taxes the same goods again when consumers buy them? So it’s doubled taxed? So an item is first taxed at 8% and the once more at 8%? For a total of 16%? I just don’t get it!

[@zongonative7397]

Import duties protect producers against the consumers for being able to buy cheap goods freely. It benefits the producers and not consumers of a country.

[@JustMe-uc1lt]

Excellent documentary outlining the pros and cons of free trade vs protectionism. I love DW!

[@LoveGhateB]

All this DW work to justify more and more protectionnism against China! The theory is here to justify the West interest, as it was when it promoted free trade!

[@KarryKarryKarry]

To all the people saying this african chicken farmer should just change and grow something different: People like chicken! would you want to eat deep frozen imported chicken every time you want chicken? Nothing beats fresh chicken. The frozen garbage is cheap AF but you're never going to enjoy eating that.

[@normanzimmerman5029]

If still pertinent, this work transcends revelatory and reveals the sublime.

[@trinimedia19]

Very good balanced journalism, it is refreshing to see.

[@ashdixson1906]

I'm impressed with the impartiality and quality of DW. Subscribed.

[@lanceringquist815]

"It took decades to build up domestic industry. It would take decades to restore it. We would have to rigidly protectionize our economy in order to do so . . . sector by sector by sector maybe. It would be impossible instantly. But it would be possible over decades starting whenever the near-unanimous decision to do so is made by an unstoppable super-majority of citizens. If we DON’T re-industrialize-for-domestic-use, then we should prepare to live the way millions of murdered mill-town citizens are already living, on despair and drugs till they die quickly."

[@dailylife2543]

We need each other. Import what you can't produce,and export what you produce. Support local products as well as foreign. That's how the chain should be.

[@fancyIOP]

Though South Africa is divided especially when it comes to race but we all agree that we should eat locally made food and products overall to support the industry. We are lucky we produce most of our products and rely less on international ones.

[@talijahtalijah1258]

One of the best documentary i have ever seen. DW KEEP ON RAISING THE BAR.

[@ricksantos1580]

Once again Fantastic Doco DW... Great Job (I wish more Western and US media made Docos like this)! Bottom line is Free Trade (absolutely open/free trade) is not free (except for the Elites). Its Not so much protectionism, but Nations should aim for SELF SUFFICIENCY, and only have "freer trade" with stuff they cannot make/create/grown in their own countries/regional and surrounding countries. Also no one talks about the detrimental impact on Mother Earth and the Environment of the deceptive "Free Trade", and also shipping stuff from 10,000 miles away rather than 100-500 miles away. I think eventually things will become more decentraliized and we will go back to more Localism with Some Global Trade... Also our Consumer and Hyper Materialistic Mindset needs to end, and we need to return to a "Needs based Society and Economy".... Also on a slightly different note, the bike example is a good example. Frames in China / Then Taiwan or Cambodia and then Germany. Why not simply make the whole thing in Germany? Also like the Chinese the West should start in a big way subsidising its Manufacturing,

[@buliameenoladayo3074]

As a well informed Nigerians with respect to domestic economy vis a vis global trade, I can absolutely say you have just perfectly presented my frustration to the world regarding "dumping" , intentional underdevelopment of africa and complains about africans migrants flooding the West. Because when you heavily subsidized your local economy to produce over surplus you have to cripple others people's economy to sell yours. And where do you expect the local workers to their livelihood?

[@livingfinance]

Yup.

[@scoutsstuff1278]

Oh boy. The country sitting on a surplus of cash from not importing blames the depression on America......gotta love unbiased documentaries.

[@romlyn99]

The US subsidise the corn industry in the US - so the farmers overproduce corn - and this drives down the corn price - and the US government pays the difference. So even though the global corn price is low the US farmers can survive - due to the US government giving them money. Then the US flood other markets with cheap US corn - which drives out corn farmers in other countries. So in Mexico they stop growing corn and moved to producing other crops at a cheaper rate than the US (because of low wages). So the US farmers will loose for non-corn products - but win for corn. The US cannot subsidise all crops :-)

[@UCiWrMgES50tlUhV3l6NqjNA]

but corn is the most valluable, so in the end its the money value that matters, and the us gets more profit so its irrelevant to have other competitors

[@0Clewi0]

Tiago, and then hurt the land with monoculture?

[@maxparker1321]

Actually we grow a huge bit of the world's food suck on that

[@latintrader]

anderson the very same could be said about your entitled belief in manifest destiny and the theft of half of Mexico’s territory. So don’t try to sell me that bull crap about demographic war. There is no conspiracy on behalf of Mexico’s government. They don’t give a crap about their poor as they gave in US corporate interests while ignoring the impact on their own citizens. Keep in mind that subsidized corn fueled the mass migration of dirt poor farmers seeking a better life. They don’t have the sophisticated clout that industrialized agriculture has on US policy or the access to cheap capital. The same can be said about other sectors of their economy. (Sugar , refined gasoline as example) Don’t want to live in the past but we’re not strangers in North America. Targeting and scapegoating humans as illegal while not focusing on the root cause (corporate greed). Is misguided.

[@schatzeeone6230]

Hello. Actual American farmer here. Please be aware that virtually ALL grain crops in the US are subsidized. This wasn’t started for trade purposes. The program’s main purpose is to keep US food prices low. This means that even in bad crop years, the cost of things like bread and noodles doesn’t double or triple. Fruit and vegetable crops are not subsidized, which is why you see significant price increases in bad years. Many subsidies, like PLC, don’t kick in until commodity prices drop below the cost of production. The farmer isn’t making any more money than he would have if he had marketed his grain at a higher price mark in the current trading year. They don’t want farmers to be able to use collective bargaining to set the prices for their own crop. That used to happen before subsidies were introduced. We’re also required to purchase federal crop insurance, to the tune of $53,000 just for this growing season. Nobody GIVES us anything sweetheart. It’s not like welfare. We actually have to work for it. You don’t get subsidies for producing nothing. You can make a claim to get rid of them, but then the corporate farms will just take over and you can bet that they will certainly set their own prices. If a $10 loaf of bread sounds fine to you, then yeah, keep blaming subsidies for the problems of the world.

[@2504ish]

She bought a Volvo and she used to sell cars. I guess she knows how far down American cars have fallen.

[@ihatesignupsgrrrrrrr]

This is very true! American is not always high-quality :/

[@BikingWIthPanda]

@[e-mail] fwiw, Tesla cars are manufactured in the US but they use resources mined from other countries anyway. we do not have rare earth minerals.

[@FilthyAngryIrishPeasant]

Volvo? Try paying for service on that or even Volkswagen. VW parts cost almost as much as Audi. Companies that are smart like Toyota and Honda built plants in rural states with tax breaks and branched out into pickup trucks as well. No import duties or shipping fees, and Americans have jobs. American cars have improved. In the 1990's & up until 2012 I never owned an American car. Toytotas, while offering less features were known to run over 200,000 miles (a lot of stop & go city miles which kill cars) & that says a lot.

[@Spiritualwarfare587]

American cars are plastic

[@1963mpd]

@[e-mail] as much as I hate to agree with you you are telling the truth this stuff don't last for 2 seconds now!

[@dolphineachonga555]

The only way I see out is for Africa to strengthen it's regional markets. A strong economic union that prioritizes trade between each other. It will also help us have a strong bargaining position.

[@silkeotd7194]

Glad to see a German documentary and a very good one!

[@BassForever44]

I usually do research connected to issues like the one explained here, so I have done my fair share of readings about free trade and else, and this is by far the most non-specialist friendly explanation I have seen regarding free trade. Loved that it was not approached from a leftist or rightist approach, just a critical one. Keep up the good work. I had to finally subscribe to your channel

[@kpjlflsknflksnflknsa]

Their documentaries are very good.

[@sebastiankaczmarek635]

You did shit job on your research because free trade is one of the most agreed upon things among economist. Basically they ( people in documentary) claim that earth is flat You can check for your self from heritage foundation to brookman institute from right to left everyone supports free trade. 99% economist do protectionism destroys jobs and cost economy much more than it's gains.

[@themaskedman221]

"Doing research" apparently didn't involve opening up an economics textbook.

[@SuperTonyony]

@@themaskedman221 Do you ever get tired of being a serf?

[@themaskedman221]

@@SuperTonyony Lords control serfs by keeping them ignorant. ' Not opening an economics textbook means you're ignorant of economics. Free trade has nearly universal support among economists. It's one of only a few topics that economists agree with each other on.

[@ancientapparition1638]

thanks for always considering both sides

[@masudalahmed]

Ancient Apparition exactly ! 💓

[@weregeography8199]

It's odd that the EU recognizes the value of protectionism when they were recently screaming about Colombia and South Africa imposing anti-dumping tariffs on EU frozen chips. As a result, free trade is a ruse. The global south cannot be on the losing end all of the time.

[@LebaneseBaron]

Countries adopt protectionist measures where the domestic production isn't competitive, and vow for free trade in sectors where domestic production is competitive. In my humble opinion, free trade is good for technology and knowledge, since you can have access to better ideas from abroad. However, regarding cost of production, it's better to learn with foreign technology and become independent in the domestic sectors

[@spiritualanarchist8162]

Globalism or protectionism. The choice between two evils.

[@firstclass305]

It’s comical how most of these countries are so opposed to tariffs when regarding to things they’re trying to sell but they themselves refuse to not impose tariffs in the country they represent

[@busysaru888]

Swiss food really does taste better that most of what we have in the US.

[@MrDanielfff777]

Why

[@DonMatek]

You can sometimes check country of origin by simply looking at the bar code numbers. As far as I know each country has a unique bar code number (or range of numbers) so you can use that to check it. Yes, sometimes goods can be imported and packed in your country but then it should say on the label (manufactured: x packed: x) etc.

[@terriesmith8219]

Nothing is ever truly free. There's always a price one pays, in one form or another.

[@dimitri1946]

Exactly! Whenever the word "free" is bandied about you can be sure there is a price to pay, and usually a steep one.

[@Hanbchjd]

Small farmers like the Cameroonian woman may lose on the chicken imports but what about the benefits? The cheap poultry products that poor Africans can now afford including the malnourished children? The hotels, restaurants and the almost non existent fast food that can increase sales and grow the industry? Cameroonians could grow other products which can not be grown in Europe and I promise you, the rich will never stop consuming as long as you produce something they like. Such as Ethiopia exporting coffee worth close to a billion USD annually or Ivory Coast exporting Cocoa. Grow something you are abundant in and it will be balanced. Leave the poultry to the experts

[@Adam-wl3cf]

Well yes but there is a huge difference between a zero and non-zero sum game. Somebody always benefits more but if everybody benefits at least a little then it is beneficial.

[@Alfaspring]

Eyob Abay if that soo. Then UE have to dipose their tarrif on Chinese . steel, Aluminium, machinery. Tile. Electronics. Lets make every european consumer have super cheap goods for their house hold. Also for their growing construction company.

[@doughtymqan]

Not free as in you pay nothing. That is impossible. Free as in no government interference. Trade whatever you want whenever and where ever you want. No duties, taxes etc.

[@thabomalete7908]

Amazing documentary, very insightful

[@verticalmatt]

"Cameroonians wouldn't know what to do without onions" is what the translator said. The woman said "we wouldnt know how to make a SAUCE without adding onions" geee ...

[@texasray5237]

Well obviously, In Cameroon, making onion sauce is the only thing they ever think about doing.

[@ThiccNose]

@@blisskalinganire1234 He was being sarcastic.

[@blisskalinganire1234]

@@ThiccNose Ok, thx. In that case, I will delete the comment since it is unnecessary.