I'm not sure that cheap, plastic toys are the best illustration of the benefits of free trade, but, as this article suggests, it is one of the reasons people support it:
As I usually opt to give the kids books and clothing, the toy prices surprised me. I was a Barbie fanatic as a girl, and I remembered that they cost around $12 then. But 30 years later, Barbies cost only $6.95, unless you opt for one with a more elaborate set of accessories. Even those didn't top $20.
So I piled a few more things in the cart and continued shopping in the ensuing weeks. Tiny Hello Kitty socks for $1, a stuffed hermit crab for $4.95, glitter bouncing balls for $3 each. In the end, I had a large pile of gifts for the kiddies, even though I hadn't really spent all that much money.
"The kids should thank NAFTA Claus," I joked to my husband, Ted, as I wrapped the presents.
