Protectionism is defined as the attempt by a national government to protect certain of its designated industries from foreign competition. It is a political attitude or policy intended to inhibit or prohibit the import of foreign goods and services. The opposite of “free trade” policies. Industries that are protected are usually related to defense, agriculture, and “infant” industries.
Protectionism is an international trade philosophy that favors the creation of barriers against the importing of goods to shelter domestic industries from foreign competition.