Other things equal, economists would prefer

A) free trade to tariffs and tariffs to import quotas.
B) free trade to import quotas and import quotas to tariffs.
C) import quotas to tariffs and tariffs to voluntary export restrictions.
D) import quotas to free trade and free trade to tariffs.

Economists generally prefer free trade as it leads to greater efficiency, lower prices, and increased competition. Tariffs and import quotas, on the other hand, increase prices for consumers and reduce competition. If we had to choose between tariffs and import quotas, economists would generally prefer tariffs as they are more transparent and easier to administer. However, if we had to choose between import quotas and voluntary export restrictions, economists would generally prefer import quotas as they do not rely on the goodwill of the exporting country and can be more easily monitored.