Global trade means supporting losers, not protecting them at any cost

Consumers have benefited as Chinese manufacturers of electric cars target the cheaper end of the market while EU producers focused on the luxury market. Photograph: Keith Bradsher/The New York Times Two international developments that opened up free trade were very important for Ireland - the establishment of the EU Single Market in 1993, and the Uruguay round of customs tariff cuts, also in the early 1990s. Freer access to European and global markets have contributed hugely to Irish economic success. Lower tariff barriers have changed how industrial production is organised around the globe. Rather than having factories that centre all…