The gains from trade are the reason that consumers and producers are better off participating in a market economy than they would be if each tried to be self-sufficient.

The gains from trade refer to the benefits that arise when individuals specialize in a particular task or produce a certain good, and then trade with others who have specialized in other tasks or goods. This allows for a more efficient use of resources and leads to a higher overall level of production and consumption. Without trade, individuals would need to be self-sufficient and produce all goods and services they need on their own, which would be less efficient and result in lower levels of production and consumption. Therefore, consumers and producers are better off participating in a market economy where trade is possible.