International studies
1. Business and Economics WEEK 4: Theories of International Trade and Investment
2. QUESTION 1 Mercantilism is a bankrupt theory that has no place in the modern world. Discuss.
3. Mercantilism - a country should maintain a trade surplus, even if that means that imports are limited by government intervention. Bankrupt theory because: – Inconsistent with the general notion of globalization. • Eventually, a country will find it difficult to export if it imposes oppressive quotas and tariffs on its imports. – Consumers in the mercantilist country suffer. • Denied access to either “cheaper” or more “sophisticated” goods from other countries.
4. QUESTION 2 Is free trade fair? Discuss.
5. Trade theory suggests that specialization and free trade benefits all countries. However, a case can be made in some situations for imposing trade barriers. E.g.: – Infant industry argument – National security
6. QUESTION 3 What are the potential costs of adopting a free trade regime? Do you think governments should do anything to reduce these costs? What?
7. Job loss Government should: –provide retraining programs OR –Do nothing, it will all come out in the wash
8. THE RISE OF BANGLADESH’S TEXTILE TRADE (PG. 206) CLOSING CASE:
9. Why was the shift to a free trade regime in the textile industry good for Bangladesh? QUESTION 1
10. Until 2005, Bangladesh’s opportunities in the developed nations were governed by a quota system. Introduction of free trade policies enabled Bangladesh to increase its exports. Competitive advantage in the production of textiles. – low cost, productive labour force. – strong network of supporting industries. Also, attracted Western importers looking to diversify their supplier base.
11. Who benefits when retailers in the United States source textiles from low wage countries such as Bangladesh? Who might lose? Do the gains outweigh the losses? QUESTION 2
12. BANGLADESH low cost, lower price competitive advantage US Higher
2. QUESTION 1 Mercantilism is a bankrupt theory that has no place in the modern world. Discuss.
3. Mercantilism - a country should maintain a trade surplus, even if that means that imports are limited by government intervention. Bankrupt theory because: – Inconsistent with the general notion of globalization. • Eventually, a country will find it difficult to export if it imposes oppressive quotas and tariffs on its imports. – Consumers in the mercantilist country suffer. • Denied access to either “cheaper” or more “sophisticated” goods from other countries.
4. QUESTION 2 Is free trade fair? Discuss.
5. Trade theory suggests that specialization and free trade benefits all countries. However, a case can be made in some situations for imposing trade barriers. E.g.: – Infant industry argument – National security
6. QUESTION 3 What are the potential costs of adopting a free trade regime? Do you think governments should do anything to reduce these costs? What?
7. Job loss Government should: –provide retraining programs OR –Do nothing, it will all come out in the wash
8. THE RISE OF BANGLADESH’S TEXTILE TRADE (PG. 206) CLOSING CASE:
9. Why was the shift to a free trade regime in the textile industry good for Bangladesh? QUESTION 1
10. Until 2005, Bangladesh’s opportunities in the developed nations were governed by a quota system. Introduction of free trade policies enabled Bangladesh to increase its exports. Competitive advantage in the production of textiles. – low cost, productive labour force. – strong network of supporting industries. Also, attracted Western importers looking to diversify their supplier base.
11. Who benefits when retailers in the United States source textiles from low wage countries such as Bangladesh? Who might lose? Do the gains outweigh the losses? QUESTION 2
12. BANGLADESH low cost, lower price competitive advantage US Higher