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International Trade - Theory and Policy, 2010a

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2. Suppose the price of cheese falls from $80 to $75. Solve for the new equilibrium wage <strong>and</strong><br />

rental rates.<br />

3. Calculate the percentage changes in the goods prices <strong>and</strong> factor prices <strong>and</strong> write the<br />

magnification effect for prices.<br />

4. Identify which good is labor intensive <strong>and</strong> which is capital intensive.<br />

5.8 The Production Possibility Frontier (Variable Proportions)<br />

LEARNING OBJECTIVE<br />

1. Learn how the shift from a fixed proportions to a variable proportions model affects the<br />

presentation of the Heckscher-Ohlin (H-O) model.<br />

The production possibility frontier can be derived in the case of variable proportions by using the same<br />

labor <strong>and</strong> capital constraints used in the case of fixed proportions, but with one important adjustment.<br />

Under variable proportions, the unit factor requirements are functions of the wage-rental ratio (w/r). This<br />

implies that the capital-labor ratios (which are the ratios of the unit factor requirements) in each industry<br />

are also functions of the wage-rental ratio. If there is a change in the equilibrium (for some reason) such<br />

that the wage-rental rate rises, then labor will become relatively more expensive compared to capital.<br />

Firms would respond to this change by reducing their dem<strong>and</strong> for labor <strong>and</strong> raising their dem<strong>and</strong> for<br />

capital. In other words, firms will substitute capital for labor <strong>and</strong> the capital-labor ratio will rise in each<br />

industry. This adjustment will allow the firm to maintain minimum production costs <strong>and</strong> thus the highest<br />

profit possible. This is the first important distinction between variable <strong>and</strong> fixed proportions.<br />

Saylor URL: http://www.saylor.org/books<br />

Saylor.org<br />

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