Free Trade Agreements and Welfare Economics: A Review

This study aims to explore the relationship between the implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs) and the quality of life of the inhabitants of the signatory countries, measured by per capita income and income distribution. The research used Scopus and Web of Science databases to apply the systematic literature review methodology regarding FTAs and welfare economics. The review included journal papers, conference papers, books, and chapters. The data was analyzed using bibliometric methods with the statistical software R. This study includes 154 articles. The key terms, trade liberalization, economic integration, and trade agreement, were identified as central topics. Emerging topics were also identified: cost-effectiveness analysis, quality of life, and numerical model. These results offer a clear framework for future research in this area. There are significant collaboration networks among the researchers and the most cited documents. There is academic interest in this field. There are two main clusters: economic welfare and applied economics. The United States, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada are the main contributors to the literature. All this, as an analysis conducted through this study, shows that welfare economics is the central theme in this research area across different periods.