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International Trade - Theory and Policy, 2010a

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2.1 The Reasons for <strong>Trade</strong><br />

LEARNING OBJECTIVES<br />

1. Learn the five reasons why trade between countries may occur.<br />

2. Recognize that separate models of trade incorporate different motivations for trade.<br />

The first theory section of this course develops models that provide different explanations or reasons why<br />

trade takes place between countries. The five basic reasons why trade may take place are summarized<br />

below. The purpose of each model is to establish a basis for trade <strong>and</strong> then to use that model to identify<br />

the expected effects of trade on prices, profits, incomes, <strong>and</strong> individual welfare.<br />

Reason for <strong>Trade</strong> #1: Differences in Technology<br />

Advantageous trade can occur between countries if the countries differ in their technological abilities to<br />

produce goods <strong>and</strong> services. Technology refers to the techniques used to turn resources (labor, capital,<br />

l<strong>and</strong>) into outputs (goods <strong>and</strong> services). The basis for trade in the Ricardian model of comparative<br />

advantage inChapter 2 "The Ricardian <strong>Theory</strong> of Comparative Advantage" is differences in technology.<br />

Reason for <strong>Trade</strong> #2: Differences in Resource Endowments<br />

Advantageous trade can occur between countries if the countries differ in their endowments of resources.<br />

Resource endowments refer to the skills <strong>and</strong> abilities of a country’s workforce, the natural resources<br />

available within its borders (minerals, farml<strong>and</strong>, etc.), <strong>and</strong> the sophistication of its capital stock<br />

(machinery, infrastructure, communications systems). The basis for trade in both the pure exchange<br />

model inChapter 3 "The Pure Exchange Model of <strong>Trade</strong>" <strong>and</strong> the Heckscher-Ohlin model inChapter 5 "The<br />

Heckscher-Ohlin (Factor Proportions) Model" is differences in resource endowments.<br />

Reason for <strong>Trade</strong> #3: Differences in Dem<strong>and</strong><br />

Advantageous trade can occur between countries if dem<strong>and</strong>s or preferences differ between countries.<br />

Individuals in different countries may have different preferences or dem<strong>and</strong>s for various products. For<br />

example, the Chinese are likely to dem<strong>and</strong> more rice than Americans, even if consumers face the same<br />

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

Saylor.org<br />

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