First, I agree with halflings' comment https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16633122 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16633122 Second, there are two sides

First, I agree with halflings' comment https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16633122 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=16633122 Second, there are two sides to a deal. The parent's plan will penalize the seller as well the buyer, both buy reducing demand and by taking away the best deal. That's a problem with all trade restrictions. If your country won't buy from others, why will others buy from you? Only North Korea tries to go without trade to a large extent and even they smuggle goods.