Free trade is an essential driver of prosperity. However, since 2008 we have witnessed a rise in protectionism and politicians all over the world are imposing new barriers to trade, sometimes disguised as environmental policies. Some politicians believe that they can impose barriers to trade and, at the same time, export more goods and services. This is a terrible mistake. It is important to remind the reader that the evils of free trade are sold to us by people who benefit from imposing barriers. Interventionism and trade barriers empower politicians, who then present themselves as the solution to supply shortages by reaching inefficient and counterproductive political agreements. We must defend free trade as the most important factor to continue to reduce poverty and improve standards of living globally. Free trade helps improve equality and eliminate extreme poverty. Protectionism perpetuates impoverishment.