What is a free trade area?

A. a group of countries that share similar political and economic beliefs

B. a group of countries that have agreed to eliminate tariffs and trade barriers

C. a group of countries believe their borders should be open and free

D. a group of countries that produce the same goods and services

The appropriate answer is b. a group of countries that have agreed to eliminate tariffs and trade barriers. Eliminating tariffs and other barriers to trading such as licensing creates a more trade friendly environment between the countries. Tariffs would normally increase the cost of exporting goods to other countries. All countries in the free trade area would benefit from such an arrangement.