Trade Overview
Why Trade? Lower Prices Greater Choice Differences in Resources Economies of Scale Increased competition Comparative advantage/opportunity cost
Free trade and protectionism Free trade means there are no barriers between countries.
Arguments for Protectionism Protect domestic employment Protect against low cost labor Protect infant industries Avoid overspecialization Strategic reasons Prevent dumping Product standards Revenue
Arguments against protectionism Higher Prices Less choice Ineffeicient
Types of Protectionism Tariffs Quotas Subsidies Embargoes
WTO Established to promote and maintain trade standards Handle disputes Monitor trade policies Technical assistance for developing countries
Economic Integration Globalization Trading Blocs Preferential trading area (PTA) Free trade areas (FTA) Customs union Common markets Economic union