Trade Theories and Economic Development (Chapter 2)

Trade Theories and Economic Development (Chapter 2)

The case of Botswana illustrates the necessity of trading. Botswana must import in order to survive, and it must export in order to earn funds to meet its import needs. Botswana’s import and export needs are readily apparent; not so obvious is the need for other countries to do the same. There must be a logical explanation for well-endowed countries to continue to trade with other nations.

This chapter explains the rationale for international trade and examines the principles of absolute advantage and relative advantage. These principles describe what and how nations can make gains from each other. The validity of these principles is discussed, as well as concepts that are refinements of these principles. The chapter also includes a discussion of factor endowment and competitive advantage. Finally, it  concludes with a discussion of regional integration and its impact on international trade.

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