International
Trade Barrier
Index 2021

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Foreword From

Daniel Griswold

Freedom-loving people everywhere should thank Americans for Tax Reform and their global partners for this useful and comprehensive 2021 edition of the Trade Barrier Index (TBI). The index lights the path toward policies that are more likely to promote freedom and prosperity for people around the world.

The TBI measures not just tariffs but behind-the-border regulations that can stifle

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Only 13% of the world's people live in the freest markets while 50% live behind high protectionist trade walls.

Between 2019 and 2021 digital trade barriers increased dramatically led by Europe and Asia.

In response to COVID-19 countries slightly reduced Non-Tariff Barriers to ease the trade of medical equipment.

Only 13% of the world's people live in the freest markets while 50% live behind high protectionist trade walls.

Between 2019 and 2021 digital trade barriers increased dramatically led by Europe and Asia.

In response to COVID-19 countries slightly reduced Non-Tariff Barriers to ease the trade of medical equipment.

Brexit has resulted in fewer trade barriers between the UK and the rest of the world, allowing the UK to be the most improved in 2021.

India and China deploy the most tariffs, services restrictions, and non-tariff barriers greatly restricting trade.

Lower trade barriers are strongly associated with prosperity & freedom; higher trade barriers with corruption & abuse of press.

Brexit has resulted in fewer trade barriers between the UK and the rest of the world, allowing the UK to be the most improved in 2021

India and China deploy the most tariffs, services restrictions, and non-tariff barriers greatly restricting trade

Lower trade barriers are strongly associated with prosperity & freedom; higher trade barriers with corruption & abuse of press.

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