Argues that quotas are an inefficient means of achieving protectionist goals. Elaborates that, for a given distortion of trade, national income will be lower, and for a given configuration of political-economic forces, the market for protection will yield a worse distortion under a quota regime. (BSR)

Provides a classroom exercise using the restrictive tariffs on sugar to examine issues of protectionism and international trade. Discusses related issues such as the North American Free Trade Agreement and the formation of large regional trading blocks. Includes a hands-on calculation of the economic impact of the quota on consumers. (MJP)