the world trade organization (WTO) tries to encourage free trade and reduce protectionism: restricting imports in order to help local products. according to the WTO agreement, countries have to offer the same conditions to all trading partners. the only way a country is allowed to try to restrict imports is by imposing tariffs. countries should not use import quotas - limits to the number of porducts which can be imported-or other restrictive measures. various international agreements also forbid dumping - selling goods abroad at below cost price in order to destroy or weaken competitors or to earn foreign currency to pay for necessary inports.