Economists have long touted the benefits of free trade between individuals and countries as a pillar of human progress and a foundational principle of global society. While most experts argue that free trade is beneficial overall, others are increasingly concerned about the immediate costs to workers in import-competing industries who could lose their jobs. Trade-related unrest in the labor market often leads people to support nationalistic political parties that are hostile to trade and immigration. This turmoil has inspired some economists to closely investigate the costs and benefits of freer trade relations and the impact reductions in tariffs (taxes on imports) and other trade barriers have on workers across geographic regions.