Difficulties arise when a state attempts to transition to a more specialized industry, so these specializations are unlikely to happen.

Question

Answer

Pro: Often, specializing requires countries to deprioritize historically and socially important industries.

Answer

Pro: Specialization can often mean allowing existing industries to dwindle. If those industries wield political power, it may be difficult for governments to allow this.

Answer

Con: Most of the benefits of free trade accrue over a long period of time. The fact that there may be transition issues usually does not undermine the eventual gains.

Is more trade always beneficial for countries?

Difficulties arise when a state attempts to transition to a more specialized industry, so these specializations are unlikely to happen.

Pros

Cons

Often, specializing requires countries to deprioritize historically and socially important industries.

Specialization can often mean allowing existing industries to dwindle. If those industries wield political power, it may be difficult for governments to allow this.

Most of the benefits of free trade accrue over a long period of time. The fact that there may be transition issues usually does not undermine the eventual gains.

Selected claim, opposing its parent

Difficulties arise when a state attempts to transition to a more specialized industry, so these specializations are unlikely to happen.

Pro claim 1, children below

Often, specializing requires countries to deprioritize historically and socially important industries.

Pro claim 2

Specialization can often mean allowing existing industries to dwindle. If those industries wield political power, it may be difficult for governments to allow this.

Con claim 1

Most of the benefits of free trade accrue over a long period of time. The fact that there may be transition issues usually does not undermine the eventual gains.