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Cheaper Quote by Joseph Chamberlain

“[Social legislation] raised the cost of production; and what can be more illogical than to raise the cost of production in the country and then to allow the products of other countries which are not surrounded by any similar legislation, which are free from any similar cost and expenditure freely…” quote by Joseph Chamberlain
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“[Social legislation] raised the cost of production; and what can be more illogical than to raise the cost of production in the country and then to allow the products of other countries which are not surrounded by any similar legislation, which are free from any similar cost and expenditure freely to enter our country in competition with our own goods...If these foreign goods come in cheaper, one of two things must follow...either you will take lower wages or you will lose your work.”

Joseph Chamberlain

About This Quote

Source Speech: Parliamentary debate on tariff reform, United Kingdom, 1903

Raising production costs domestically while allowing cheaper foreign imports harms local workers and wages.

In simple terms: Higher taxes on local goods hurt workers when cheap imports arrive.

Key Takeaway

Protect local jobs by balancing taxes and trade.

Themes

economics trade labor policy

Mood

concerned critical

Type

political economic

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • business planning
  • labor negotiations
  • consumer pricing
  • export competition

Key Concepts

tariff policy comparative advantage industrial strategy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can a country protect workers without raising consumer costs?
  • What alternative policies could balance trade fairness?
A Different Perspective

May reduce consumer choice and increase prices for essential goods.

3.5 out of 5 (8 ratings)

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