Question

What is the national interest argument for protectionism with regard to certain products?

Short answer

Products of national interest must have lesser reliance on imports.

Step-by-step solution

Step1. Introduction

With the increased globalization, protectionist policies are necessary. Protectionism essentially means the reduction in the volume of foreign trade and putting a cap and check on it.

Step2. Explanation

National interest arguments with respect to certain products states that for products like defense equipment, oil, technology, a country must not be too dependent on other countries. It is so because the trading country can comprise in terms of quality, pricing, etc and then the dependent country shall suffer.

It is hence important to let the domestic industry develop through protectionist policies. This is the argument put forward under national interest argument for protectionism.