International Business Exam CECECN2A.1
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Questions and Answers

BigBrother, a Dutch data driven security company headquartered in Ede, is expanding its activities in Europe. In order to decrease its costs, BigBrother assigned part of its software development to a small company in Romania. This action is an example of:

  • Vertical FDI
  • Off-shoring
  • Outsourcing (correct)
  • Horizontal FDI.
  • Lenovo is a Chinese multinational technology company, founded in Beijing in 1984 as Legend, and incorporated in Hongkong in 1988. In 2014, Lenovo acquired Motorola Mobility, an American consumer electronics and telecommunications company, from Google. This action is an example of:

  • Horizontal Foreign Direct Investment.
  • Offshoring.
  • Vertical Foreign Direct Investment. (correct)
  • Outsourcing.
  • One of the main principles of the WTO is the most-favoured nation principle. It means that:

  • countries are allowed to grant their most-favoured nation special favours, like lower customs duties
  • after entering the market, goods and services imported from the most-favoured nation are allowed to be given preferential treatment
  • when a country grants another country a special favour, it has to do so to all other WTO members (correct)
  • after entering the market, all imported and locally-produced goods and services should be treated equally
  • Based on the information above, which of the following statements is correct?

    <p>Canada has the absolute advantage in wine and the comparative advantage in shirts; Italy the absolute advantage in shirts and the comparative advantage in wine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Return to the information provided in Question 4 and assume that the two countries start trading. The Grubel-Lloyd Index for wine will be equal to:

    <p>Zero for both countries. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Return to the information provided in Question 4 and assume that the two countries have not started to trade yet, but they are negotiating the terms of trade. Assume further that Italy suggests the following terms of trade: ‘2 units of shirts should be traded for 1 unit of wine'. Canada will:

    <p>Refuse, because the terms of trade are not fair for Canada. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The EU imposed market-access restrictions upon fish imported from the United Kingdom. The measures forbid UK fisherman to use small-sized fishing net technology that threatens the lives of new-born fish. Which of the following best represents this legislation?

    <p>Technical, health or environmental standards. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The residents of a country receive the repayment of a previous provided loan to foreigners, it is counted as a

    <p>credit in the financial account. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on Table 2, total savings, private plus public, is equal to

    <p>21 percent of GDP. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Based on Table 2, the current account balance is

    <p>-1 percent of GDP. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain in a clear way the difference between a country's trade balance and a country's Current Account.

    <p>A country's trade balance represents the difference between its total exports and imports of goods and services during a specific period. In contrast, the current account encompasses not only the trade balance but also net income flows from abroad (including wages, investment income, and remittances) and net transfers (such as foreign aid and donations).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Did China's trade surplus increase or decrease in November 2022, as compared to the same month the year before?

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Come up with two reasons why ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) is China's main export destination. Explain your answer clearly.

    <p>First, ASEAN countries serve as a significant market for Chinese manufactured goods, particularly consumer products and electronics. Second, ASEAN's role as part of China's supply chain for global exports plays a considerable role. China utilizes ASEAN countries for intermediate production and components, contributing to a larger export market beyond the region.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Come up with a possible/likely explanation for the fact that China's exports to the US have fallen way more than China's exports to the European Union.

    <p>One plausible explanation is the ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. These tensions have led to increased tariffs and other trade restrictions, which have impacted the competitiveness of Chinese exports in the US market. In contrast, trade relations between China and the EU have been relatively stable, allowing for continued growth in exports to the European Union.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main differences between a Free Trade Agreement and an Economic Union?

    <p>A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) eliminates tariffs and other trade barriers between member countries, allowing for free trade in goods and services. However, an Economic Union goes beyond free trade by establishing common policies in areas such as currency, monetary policy, fiscal policy, and labor market regulations. It involves a deeper level of integration and economic cooperation among member states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain in a clear way what is meant by “the role of ASEAN for China is more of a joint supply chain than a final goods export destination.”

    <p>This means that ASEAN countries primarily serve as production hubs or manufacturing centers for Chinese companies. Instead of simply exporting finished goods directly to consumers in ASEAN countries, China uses them as vital parts of its supply chain to produce components or intermediate products that are then assembled and exported to other destinations worldwide.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain in a clear way two important differences between Foreign Direct Investments and Portfolio Investments. Next to that, come up with a clear/concrete example of both of them.

    <p>Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) involve acquiring a substantial ownership stake in a foreign company or asset, providing active control and influence. Portfolio Investments, on the other hand, represent passive investments in financial claims (e.g., stocks or bonds) of foreign companies. For example, acquiring a controlling stake in a German automobile manufacturer would represent FDI, while buying shares of a Japanese technology firm listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange reflects a portfolio investment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Does China have a surplus or a deficit on its Financial Account? Explain your answer clearly.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Before introduction of the tariff, how much soybean is imported?

    <p>The graph shows that the EU imports 80 billion bushels of soybeans before the tariff is implemented.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are the benefits and costs of this tariff distributed among consumers and producers? So you have to calculate the change in consumer surplus and the change in producer surplus. Show your calculations.

    <p>Before the tariff, consumer surplus is represented by the area of the triangle above the world price of $12 and below the demand curve, which is (0.5 * (14 - 12) * 80 = 80) (billion dollars). Producer surplus is the area of the triangle below the world price of $12 and above the supply curve, which is (0.5 * (12 - 10) * 80 = 80) (billion dollars). After the tariff, consumer surplus is (0.5 * (12 - 14) * 40 = -40) (billion dollars). Producer surplus is (0.5 * (14 - 10) * 40 = 80) (billion dollars). The tariff thus causes consumer surplus to decrease by 120 billion dollars and producer surplus to increase by 0 billion dollars. The net change is 120 billion dollars.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Assuming that the EU is able to collect the full tariff revenues, calculate the direct government receipts from the tariff. Show your calculations.

    <p>The direct government receipts from the tariff are calculated as the area of the rectangle between the world price of $10 and the domestic price of $14, which is (( 14 - 10 ) * 40 = 160) (billion dollars).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Is the overall impact of the tariff on EU welfare positive or negative? Explain your answer.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain in a clear way, and explicitly based on the information in the text, that the rise in Swiss interest rates CANNOT explain the recent appreciation of the Swiss franc.

    <p>The article states that the SNB has been fighting deflation and has opted for a very accommodating monetary policy, which includes lowering interest rates. However, the article also clarifies that after several years of accommodative monetary policy, the SNB started increasing interest rates to combat inflation in June of 2022. As such, the rise in Swiss interest rates actually coincides with the recent appreciation of the Swiss franc, suggesting that it is not the cause of the appreciation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    State and explain, based on the exchange rate theories you studied, two factors that CAN explain the recent appreciation of the Swiss franc.

    <p>Firstly, the SNB's intervention in the foreign exchange market, by buying Swiss francs to support its value, can drive its appreciation. Secondly, the rise in Swiss interest rates, combined with a relatively stable economic situation and low inflation in Switzerland, can attract foreign investors seeking higher returns, thus increasing demand for the Swiss franc and raising its value.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain in a clear way how a strong currency can help reduce/keep down the inflation rate in a country.

    <p>A strong currency makes imported goods cheaper for domestic consumers, putting downward pressure on prices. When a country's currency appreciates, it can import goods from other countries for less, which can help to moderate inflationary pressures. For example, if the Swiss franc strengthens against the euro, imported goods from Europe become less expensive in Switzerland.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does it mean that a currency is under ‘flexible exchange rates'? And what alternative exchange rate system(s) can countries choose for? Explain your answer in a clear way.

    <p>A flexible exchange rate system means that a currency's value fluctuates freely in the foreign exchange market without any direct intervention from the central bank. In contrast, fixed exchange rates, where a currency's value is pegged to another currency or a basket of currencies, and managed float systems, where the central bank intervenes to moderate fluctuations, are alternative exchange rate systems.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Explain in a clear way WHAT is meant by ‘currency market intervention' and explain HOW exactly the Swiss National Bank should intervene to appreciate the Swiss franc.

    <p>Currency market intervention refers to a central bank's actions to influence the exchange rate of its currency. The Swiss National Bank can intervene in the foreign exchange market by buying Swiss francs. This directly increases demand for the Swiss franc, pushing up its value against other currencies. In effect, the SNB would be using its reserves of foreign currencies to buy Swiss francs, injecting the money into the market and increasing its value.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    By what percentage is the Swiss franc expected to appreciate over the next half year, according to the forecast of ING? Show your calculations.

    <p>According to ING, the EUR/CHF exchange rate is expected to move from 0.9950 to 0.95 next spring, representing a 4.5% appreciation of the Swiss franc. The calculation is (0.9950 - 0.95) / 0.9950 = 0.045, which equates to a 4.5% appreciation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Outsourcing

    A situation where a company hires another company, often in a different country, to perform certain tasks or services, such as software development.

    Horizontal Foreign Direct Investment

    A type of foreign direct investment where a company invests in a company in another country that operates in the same industry (e.g., a car manufacturer investing in a car factory in another country).

    Vertical Foreign Direct Investment

    A type of foreign direct investment where a company invests in a company in another country that operates in a different but related industry (e.g., a car manufacturer investing in a tire manufacturer in another country).

    Offshoring

    The practice of relocating business processes, such as manufacturing or customer service, to another country, often for cost reduction or access to specialized skills.

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    Most-Favored Nation (MFN) Principle

    A principle of the World Trade Organization (WTO) that requires member countries to apply the same trade rules to all other WTO members, preventing them from granting special favors to specific countries.

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    Absolute Advantage

    The ability of a country to produce a good or service using fewer resources than another country.

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    Comparative Advantage

    The ability of a country to produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than another country.

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    Grubel-Lloyd Index

    A measure of the degree of trade liberalization between two countries. It shows the percentage of trade in a specific good that is not affected by trade barriers.

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    Comparative Advantage and Trade

    A situation where a country can produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than another country. This makes it beneficial for both countries to specialize in producing the good or service they have a comparative advantage in and then trade with each other.

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    Import Quotas

    A government policy that restricts the amount of a good that can be imported into a country.

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    Technical, Health, or Environmental Standards

    Government regulations that specify certain technical, health, or environmental standards that imported goods must meet before they can be sold in a country.

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    Balance of Payments

    A record of all economic transactions between a country and the rest of the world over a specific period.

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    Current Account

    A component of the Balance of Payments that captures the flows of goods, services, income, and unilateral transfers between a country and the rest of the world.

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    Financial Account

    A component of the Balance of Payments that captures the flows of financial assets and liabilities between a country and the rest of the world.

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    Trade Balance

    A part of the Financial Account that reflects the difference between a country's credits and debits related to its trade balance.

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    Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

    An investment made by a company that gives it control over a company or asset in another country.

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    Portfolio Investment

    An investment made in financial assets, such as stocks or bonds, in another country without seeking control or ownership of a company.

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    Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

    A type of regional trade agreement where members eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers on goods traded between them.

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    Economic Union

    A type of regional trade agreement that involves economic integration beyond just trade, often including common policies on labor, environmental regulations, and monetary policy.

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    Joint Supply Chain

    A situation where goods are produced in different parts of the world and then assembled or finished in another country, often for cost reduction or access to specialized skills.

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    Trade Surplus

    The difference between the value of a country's exports and imports of goods and services.

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    Trade Deficit

    The amount by which a country's imports exceed its exports.

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    Tariff

    A government policy that imposes a tax on imported goods.

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    Consumer Surplus

    The satisfaction that consumers derive from consuming a good or service.

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    Producer Surplus

    The difference between the price producers receive for a good or service and the minimum price they are willing to accept.

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    Tariff Revenue

    The income that a government collects from tariffs.

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    Welfare

    The overall well-being of a country, often measured by factors such as economic output, consumer satisfaction, and environmental sustainability.

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    Flexible Exchange Rate System

    A system where the value of a currency is determined by market forces, meaning that exchange rates fluctuate freely based on supply and demand.

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    Fixed Exchange Rate System

    A system where the value of a currency is fixed to another currency or to a basket of currencies. The central bank of the country must intervene in the foreign exchange market to maintain the fixed rate.

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    Currency Market Intervention

    Actions taken by a central bank to influence the exchange rate of a currency. This can involve buying or selling foreign currencies in the foreign exchange market to increase or decrease demand for the domestic currency.

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    Appreciation of the Domestic Currency

    The process of a central bank purchasing its own currency, increasing demand for the domestic currency and potentially causing it to appreciate.

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    Study Notes

    Exam CECECN2A.1, 09-01-2023 - Part 1

    • Question 1: BigBrother, a Dutch security company, is expanding in Europe. Assigning software development to a Romanian company is an example of outsourcing.
    • Question 2: Lenovo, a Chinese tech company, acquired Motorola Mobility (an American company) from Google. This exemplifies horizontal foreign direct investment.
    • Question 3: The WTO's most-favored nation principle dictates that if a country grants special treatment to another, it must extend that same treatment to all other WTO members.

    Exam CECECN2A.1, 09-01-2023 - Part 2

    • Question 4: Canada has an absolute advantage in shirts and a comparative advantage in wine; Italy has an absolute advantage in wine and a comparative advantage in shirts.
    • Question 5: The Grubel-Lloyd Index for wine, given the provided data, is zero for both Canada and Italy, if they are trading.
    • Question 6: If Italy proposes a trade of 2 units of shirts for 1 unit of wine, Canada will likely refuse, as the terms of trade aren't favorable to Canada.

    Exam CECECN2A.1, 09-01-2023 - Part 3

    • Question 7: The EU's restrictions on UK fishing nets represent technical, health, or environmental standards.
    • Question 8: Repayment of a loan to foreigners is recorded as a credit in the financial account.
    • Question 9: Total savings (private + public) are 21% of GDP, based on the provided data.
    • Question 10: The current account balance is -1% of GDP.

    Exam CECECN2A.1, 09-01-2023 - Part 4

    • China Trade Slump in November: China's exports and imports contracted (8.7% and 10.6% respectively year-on-year) in November, due to supply chain disruptions within China and weak demand from the US and Europe.
    • Early Indicator hints: Smartphone exports contracted 9.6% year-on-year in November, possibly due to a combination of supply disruptions and weak demand. Imports of parts and raw materials also contracted, suggesting potential continued export contraction in the coming months.

    Exam CECECN2A.1, 09-01-2023 - Part 5

    • Question 1: A country's trade balance measures the difference between exports and imports. A country's current account measures the overall flow of goods, services, income, and transfers.
    • Question 2: China's trade surplus likely decreased in November 2022 compared to the previous year.
    • Question 3: ASEAN is a strong export destination for China due to its large size and its role in China's supply chains. It is not just a final destination for exports but also acts as a major supplier.
    • Question 4: China's exports to the US fell more significantly than to the European Union, likely due to specific issues involving US demand and/or production disruptions impacting exported goods.
    • Question 5: A Free Trade Agreement (FTA) reduces trade barriers between member countries. An Economic Union like the EU goes much further, integrating economic policies, such as currency and common markets.
    • Question 6: ASEAN's role is primarily as a part of the joint production supply chain for China, in contrast to a primary final goods export destination.
    • Question 7: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) involves the acquisition of businesses or the establishment of operations in another country. Portfolio investment involves acquiring financial assets (stocks, bonds). As an example of FDI: A US company building a factory in Germany. As an example of portfolio investment: An investor buying shares of a German company.
    • Question 8: The article doesn't provide explicit data and conclusions regarding whether China has a surplus or deficit on its financial account.

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    This quiz evaluates your understanding of key concepts in international business, including outsourcing, foreign direct investment, and trade advantages. It covers various scenarios and principles associated with global commerce. Test your knowledge on the dynamics affecting multinational corporations and trade agreements.

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