A free trade area emerges when a group of countries agree to remove or significantly reduce restrictions on imports from one another. This means that goods can be traded without tariffs or quotas, which makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to sell their products across borders. In a free trade area, each country still maintains its own external tariffs on goods imported from countries outside of the agreement. The aim of a free trade area is to promote trade and economic growth by making it easier for businesses to access larger markets and take advantage of comparative advantages.