More imports, more exports
Supporters of free trade point out thatthere is another direct benefit to be gained from an increase in international trade exports require imports. Coffee is cited as an example. Countries which produce and export coffee import the packaging for it a two-way trade which enables commerce to develop in two countries at the same time. Critics maintain that, in general, it is poorer countries which produce and export food such as coffee, and richer countries which produce and export manufactured goods such as packaging materials. Furthermore, it is the richer countries which control the price of commodities and, therefore may be forced to sell their produce at a low price and to buy manufactured goods at an inflated price.