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International Trade - Theory and Policy, 2010a

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calculating changes in real income in the Heckscher-Ohlin (H-O) model, it can be shown that some<br />

individuals will likely benefit from free trade, while others will suffer losses. An increase in aggregate<br />

welfare means only that the sum of the gains exceeds the sum of the losses.<br />

Another important issue is also typically ignored when using aggregate or national indifference curves to<br />

represent a country’s preferences. For these curves to make sense, we must assume that income<br />

distribution remains the same when moving from one equilibrium to another. That it does not is shown<br />

in Chapter 5 "The Heckscher-Ohlin (Factor Proportions) Model", Section 5.12 "The Distributive Effects of Free<br />

<strong>Trade</strong> in the Heckscher-Ohlin Model". The one way to resolve the issue is to assume that compensation is<br />

provided after the redistribution occurs so as to recreate the same income distribution. Compensation is<br />

discussed in Chapter 5 "The Heckscher-Ohlin (Factor Proportions) Model", Section 5.13 "The Compensation<br />

Principle".<br />

KEY TAKEAWAY<br />

<br />

In moving from autarky to free trade in an H-O model, both countries can reach a consumption point on a<br />

higher national indifference, thereby representing an increase in national welfare.<br />

EXERCISE<br />

1. Jeopardy Questions. As in the popular television game show, you are given an answer to a<br />

question <strong>and</strong> you must respond with the question. For example, if the answer is “a tax on<br />

imports,” then the correct question is “What is a tariff?”<br />

1. Of points A, A∗, C, C∗, P, or P∗ in Figure 5.9 "National Welfare Effects of Free<br />

<strong>Trade</strong> in the H-O Model", this point provides the highest level of national welfare.<br />

2. Of points A, A∗, C, C∗, P, or P∗ in Figure 5.9 "National Welfare Effects of Free <strong>Trade</strong> in the<br />

H-O Model", this point provides the lowest level of national welfare.<br />

3. Between indifference curves IFT, IFT∗, IAUT, <strong>and</strong> IAUT∗ in Figure 5.9 "National Welfare<br />

Effects of Free <strong>Trade</strong> in the H-O Model", points on this curve provide the lowest level of<br />

national welfare.<br />

4. Between indifference curves IFT, IFT∗, IAUT, <strong>and</strong> IAUT∗ in Figure 5.9 "National Welfare<br />

Effects of Free <strong>Trade</strong> in the H-O Model", points on this curve provide the highest level of<br />

national welfare.<br />

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

Saylor.org<br />

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