Free trade and fair trade are concepts that often seem at odds with one another. Free trade is the idea that countries should trade with one another with little government restriction and regulation, allowing the free market systems to determine the rules and outcomes. Advancements in technology, communication and modes of transportation have truly made our markets global, and free trade agreements are opening up markets that once had little opportunity to expand. A common theme heard amongst free trade advocates is that people living in developing countries benefit when business moves in and offers job opportunities where none existed. Fair trade proponents point out that, more often than not, workers in these countries do not have legal protections for safe working conditions, adequate health standards, appropriate age limits, etc. Moreover, profitable corporations should not take advantage of these circumstances for economic gain only because there aren’t laws to enforce a higher standard,. They should instead hold themselves to a higher standard of conduct and ethics that promote human welfare and do not exploit workers. While some fair trade advocates are protectionist toward their own country’s markets and concerned about job opportunities at home, the reality is that trade can be both global and fair, providing opportunities for people all over the world!