International
Trade Barrier
Index 2025

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Foreword From

Lord Dan Hannan

Never in all the years since this Index was first published has the news been so unremittingly depressing. The last time the world saw a swing away from free trade on anything like this scale, years of horror followed: the Depression, the rise of the dictators, the Holodomor, the Holocaust.

Then, the chief beneficiary of the old open commercial system (the United Kingdom) moved late and reluctantly to protectionism. This time, the chief beneficiary (the United States) is leading the charge.

Overall, the Index ranks the US 61st, a poor position reflecting its relatively few trade deals, its fondness for protectionist actions at the WTO and its maintenance of a range of non-tariff barriers. But that ranking does not reflect the new tariff lines announced by President Trump on April 2, 2025. If those barriers remain in place – and, as I write, the issue remains uncertain – then the

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Only 5.35% of the world’s people live in the freest markets where they produce 21% of global GDP! The most restricted markets are home to 42% of world’s population, but the produce only 9% of global GDP.

Western Europe led in imposing Digital Trade Barriers, including digital taxes, content moderation, and data flow restrictions.

Only 5.35% of the world’s people live in the freest markets where they produce 21% of global GDP! The most restricted markets are home to 42% of world’s population, but the produce only 9% of global GDP.

Western Europe led in imposing Digital Trade Barriers, including digital taxes, content moderation, and data flow restrictions.

India and Russia deployed the most trade barriers greatly restricting trade and imposing other economic and social costs.

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

Non-Tariff Barriers are commonly used by High Income countries to restrict trade, whereas other income groups tend to distort trade with Tariffs and Services Restrictions.

India and Russia deployed the most trade barriers greatly restricting trade and imposing other economic and social costs.

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

Non-Tariff Barriers are commonly used by High Income countries to restrict trade, whereas other income groups tend to distort trade with Tariffs and Services Restrictions.

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