10 Questions
What is the main benefit of using comparative advantage in international trade?
Increasing gains from trade for two or more nations
What is the difference between absolute advantage and comparative advantage?
Absolute advantage refers to producing more quantity, while comparative advantage refers to producing at a lower opportunity cost
According to the table, which country has an absolute advantage in the production of wheat?
United States
What is the term for a situation in which one country has an absolute advantage in two goods?
Absolute advantage
What is the benefit of trade for individuals, according to the passage?
It allows individuals to benefit from gains from trade
What is the term for a situation in which a country imports more goods than it exports?
Trade deficit
How many hours of labor does it take to harvest a bushel of wheat in Balmoria?
9 hours
What is the main advantage of specialization in production?
It allows countries to produce goods and services at a lower opportunity cost
According to the table, how many thousand bushels of rice can China produce in one day?
120
What is the term for a situation in which a country exports more goods than it imports?
Trade surplus
Study Notes
International Trade and Comparative Advantage
- Countries trade because they cannot produce everything they need domestically, and trade allows them to specialize and conserve resources.
- There are two types of advantage: Absolute Advantage and Comparative Advantage.
Absolute Advantage
- Absolute Advantage: a condition where one country or business can produce more than another using the same amount of resources.
- Example: Country A can produce 1 million gallons of milk per year, while Country X can only produce ½ million gallons of milk per year.
- Absolute Advantage can occur at the individual/firm level as well.
Comparative Advantage
- Comparative Advantage: a condition where one country or business can produce a good or service at a lower opportunity cost than another.
- Example: Country X can produce ½ million gallons of milk per year at $1 per gallon, while Country A can produce 1 million gallons of milk per year at $1.25 per gallon.
- Comparative Advantage can occur at the individual/firm level as well.
Distinguishing between Absolute and Comparative Advantage
- Distinguishing between Absolute and Comparative Advantage involves understanding the opportunity costs of production.
Specialization and Trade
- Specialization and trade can lead to increased efficiencies, production, consumption, and satisfaction.
- Countries specialize in producing goods and services that require a great deal of human and physical capital, while others specialize in manufacturing products that require low-skilled labor.
Balance of Trade and Balance of Payments
- Balance of Trade: the value of all goods and services exported minus the value of all goods and services imported.
- Trade Surplus: when exports exceed imports.
- Trade Deficit: when imports exceed exports.
- Balance of Payments: a country's record of all monetary transactions in each sector (public and private) of the international market.
Gains from Trade
- Specialization and trade can lead to increased gains from trade for two or more nations.
- Comparative advantage increases the gains from trade for two or more nations.
Personal Benefits from Trade
- Individuals can personally benefit from gains from trade, such as having access to a wider variety of goods and services.
This quiz covers key concepts of international trade, including advantages, goods, services, balance of trade, balance of payments, and more. Test your knowledge of why countries trade and the benefits and consequences of trade.
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