Use of English

Trade Across Borders

Global trade agreements are formal deals between countries that aim to make international business easier. They often reduce taxes on imported goods and set common rules, so companies can sell products abroad more (0) EASILY. Supporters argue that such agreements help economies grow by opening (1) .......... new markets and encouraging investment. As a result, businesses may expand, and consumers can benefit (2) .......... lower prices and a wider choice of goods. However, critics point (3) .......... that the effects are not always equal. While large companies may gain quickly, smaller local firms sometimes struggle to compete. In some cases, workers fear that jobs will be moved overseas in order to cut (4) .......... costs. Others worry that governments may lose some control over national industries if they are forced to (5) .......... to international rules. Even so, many experts believe that trade agreements can bring long-term advantages, provided that they are carefully written and fairly applied. In the end, their success often depends (6) .......... whether they balance economic growth with social protection. Countries must also take (7) .......... the needs of workers, consumers and the environment. Only then can global trade create benefits that are shared more (8) .......... across society.