What term describes the removal of artificial obstacles to commerce between individuals and companies across countries?

Explanation

The correct answer is free trade, which refers to the absence of artificial restrictions such as tariffs or quotas on the exchange of goods and services between nations. Unlike a laissez-faire economy, which implies minimal government intervention in all economic activities, free trade specifically focuses on eliminating barriers to international trade. Labor unions represent workers' interests and do not relate to trade policies. Protectionism involves imposing trade restrictions, the opposite of free trade, while non-tariff barriers are types of restrictions, not their absence.