A free trade agreement is a treaty that promotes trade between two or more countries by eliminating or reducing barriers to trade, such as tariffs on imported goods. These agreements often include provisions for protecting intellectual property, reducing regulatory barriers, and facilitating investment and services trade.

One example of a free trade agreement is the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was signed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 1994. NAFTA eliminated most tariffs on goods traded between the three countries, and facilitated cross-border investment and services trade.

Another example of a free trade agreement is the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which was signed by 11 countries including Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Australia in 2018. The CPTPP reduces tariffs on a wide range of goods and services, and includes provisions to protect intellectual property and enhance regulatory cooperation.

Free trade agreements have become increasingly common in recent decades, as countries seek to promote economic growth and international trade. However, they have also become controversial, with critics accusing them of contributing to job loss and income inequality in certain industries. Despite these concerns, free trade agreements remain an important tool for promoting economic growth and cooperation between countries.