Trade Liberalisation

trade-creation

Definition Trade liberalisation involves removing barriers to trade between different countries and encouraging free trade. Trade liberalisation involves: Reducing tariffs Reducing/eliminating quotas Reducing non-tariff barriers. Non-tariff barriers are factors that make trade difficult and expensive. For example, having specific regulations on making goods can give an unfair advantage to domestic producers. Harmonising environmental and safety …

Read more

Benefits of free trade

free-trade-winners-losers

Free trade means that countries can import and export goods without any tariff barriers or other non-tariff barriers to trade. Essentially, free trade enables lower prices for consumers, increased exports, benefits from economies of scale and a greater choice of goods. In more detail, the benefits of free trade include: 1. The theory of comparative …

Read more

Who are the winners and losers from free trade?

free-trade-winners-losers

Readers question: Who are the winners and losers from free trade? Free trade means that firms can export and import goods without tariff barriers. Free trade leads to lower prices and increased exports and imports. Economists are generally agreed that free trade leads to a net gain in economic welfare; as a result, economists generally …

Read more

Trade Sanctions

Trade Sanctions are laws passed to restrict or abolish trade with certain countries. Trade Sanctions can take various forms such as: Complete embargo on specific types of trade. Tariff Barriers. Higher taxes on imports of goods. If the tariffs are sufficiently high, it may stop imports completely. Quotas limiting the amount of trade Trade Sanctions …

Read more

Effect of Tariffs

winners-losers-higher-tariffs

A look at the effect of tariffs on consumers, government tax revenue, domestic firms and net economic welfare.

The Catch-Up Effect

gdp convergence

The catch-up effect (or convergence theory) suggests that poorer countries will experience a higher rate of economic growth and, over time, get closer to the income levels of the developed world. In other words, there will be a reduction in the gap between the rich and the poor because low-income countries have more opportunities to …

Read more

Infant Industry Argument

infant-industry-argument

The infant industry argument states that developing countries are justified to put tariffs on imports if they are seeking to develop new industries and diversify their economy. In particular, there is a justification for placing tariffs on industries where a country has a latent comparative advantage. This means that if they can develop infrastructure and economies …

Read more

Factors that explain wage inequality

comparing-wages

A look at factors that explain wage inequality – including classical economic theory and labour market imperfections. Readers Question: Idealized free market theory argues that it is automatic for each worker to receive just what he or she is worth; otherwise, an “underpaid” worker could just look elsewhere to bid a higher salary.  Could established …

Read more

Item added to cart.
0 items - £0.00