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Macroeconomics > 4.1 International Economics > Flashcards

4.1 International Economics Flashcards

1
Q

Define globalisation

A

Globalisation refers to the growing integration of countries and the rapid
rate of change it brings about

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2
Q

What is FDI

A

When a country establishes operation in another country (i.e. a factory in another country)

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3
Q

Impact of globalisation

A

+Increased trade = increased choice for consumers
+Increased capital and labour mobility
+greater competition = lower prices
+EoS = more efficient
- tax avoidance becomes easier
- structural unemployment

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4
Q

Characteristics of globalisation

A
  • increasing foreign ownership of countries
  • free trade in goods/services
  • Increasing movement of labour & technology
    across borders
  • easy cash/capital flow across countries
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5
Q

Factors contributing to globalisation

A

Growth in number of TNCs
Increased effectiveness of
the WTO in negotiating new trade
agreements & in helping
countries to open up to free
trade (trade liberalisation)

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6
Q

Globalisation and economic growth

A
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7
Q

Define trade liberalisation

A

the removal or reduction of restrictions or barriers on the free exchange of goods between nations. These barriers include tariffs, such as duties and surcharges, and non tariff barriers, such as licensing rules and quotas.

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8
Q

Define absolute advantage

A

Implies that a country can produce more of one product with the same amount of resources

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9
Q

Define comparative advantage

A

implies that a country can produce a good with a lower opportunity cost than that of another country

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10
Q

Comparative advantage diagrammatic and graphical

A

Like a flat gradient PPF, one good on one side, the other good on the other

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11
Q

Laws of comparative advantage

A
  • no transport costs
  • no trade barriers
  • externalities are ignored
  • perfect mobility of FOP between diff uses
  • constant returns to scale (therefore ppfs are drawn straight)
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12
Q

Limitation of Comparative Advantage

A
  • over-dependence: this then generates vulnerability (i.e. depending on Russia for gas and then when not on good terms shortages can happen)
  • based on unrealistic assumptions
  • -
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13
Q

Advantages of specialisation and trade

A
  1. Lower prices
  2. Greater variety of goods/services
  3. More competition leads to better quality products
    4.Economies of scale create efficiency
  4. Higher economic growth
  5. Improved living standards
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14
Q

Disadvantages of specialisation and trade

A
  • global monopolies emerge and dominate
  • Start-up firms in developing countries (infant industries) find it harder
    to compete due to global competition
  • over-specialisation: makes the country’s GDP dependent on the sales of that good
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15
Q

What are patterns of trade

A

reflects the nature of trade between countries by considering imports and exports

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16
Q

factors affecting the pattern of trade between countries and changes in trade flows between countries

A
  1. comparative adv: a natural market outcome as firms are profit maximisers. firms will outsource production and increase production where it makes sense.
  2. impact of emerging economies: they have obtained a much higher share of the global businesses which means that other countries are losing out over time
  3. Growth of trading blocs and agreements: results in trade creation and causes trade diversion
  4. Changes in exchange rate: if the currency appreciate, exports become more expensive and imports become cheaper. meaning that changes in exchange rates influence the patterns of trade as goods and services either become cheaper/expensive in relation to the prices in other countries
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17
Q

Define terms of trade

A

Terms of trade refers to the ratio of a country’s average price of exports to the country’s average price of imports

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18
Q

Terms of trade calculation

A

index of export prices/ index of import prices x 100

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19
Q

Factors influencing a country’s terms of trade

A
  1. relative inflation rate: inflation increases the prices of g/s in a country. This means that their price is more expensive compared to the rest of the world. IF exports are price inelastic in demand this will improve the terms of trade, inelastic then it is likely to
    worsen the terms of trade
  2. relative productivity rate: continuous improvements in productivity can lower costs &
    these can be passed on in the form of lower prices. Lower prices for export products will
    mean that the terms of trade will deteriorates fewer imports can be bought with one
    unit of exports
  3. changes in exchange rates: Changes in exchange rates: exchange rates constantly change the price of exports &
    imports. If prices change then the terms of trade between the 2 countries change.
    Specific data would need to be provided in order to determine if the terms of trade have
    improved or deteriorated for each trading partner
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20
Q

Impact of changes in a coutnry’s terms of trade

A
  • changes to the current account balance in BoP
  • changes to unemployment levels
  • changes to international competition
  • changes to national output (GDP)
  • changes to standards of liivng
  • changes to disposable income

improvements/deterioration of ToT

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21
Q

PED and improved terms of trade

A

price of exports rises (more money out), if PED is inelastic, the economy will benefit as QD falls less than prop.
output increases, unemployment falls, standard of living improves

prices of imports fall (less money in). if PED is elastic (necesities) then the increase in QD will be more than prop, so the economy grows. Same impacts as above

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22
Q

PED and deteriorated Terms of trade

A

price of exports falls - if ped of exports is elastic, then the increase in QD will be more than proportionate.

price of imports rises - where demand fpr imports is inelastic, consumers would demand the goods in a similar proportion, spend significantly more on imports

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23
Q

Define trade bloc

A

a group of countries who come together & agree to reduce or eliminate any barriers to trade that exist between them

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24
Q

Free trade areas

A

An area in which countries agree to abolish trade restrictions between themselves

ASEAN free trade area
Commonwealth FTA
United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly known as NAFTA

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25
Q

Customs unions

A

the removal of tariff barriers between members and the acceptance of a common external tariff against non-members. This
means that members may negotiate as a single bloc with third parties such as other
trading blocs or countries.

EU have eliminated all tariff barriers from within but they impose tariffs on common 3rd party countries like the UK and China

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26
Q

Common markets

A

goods/services are traded tariff free in common markets and the FOP flow freely between member countries

The aim is to improve the allocation of resources between the common market members and lower their COP

The EU is a customs union and a common market

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27
Q

Monetary unions

A

Members are part of customs union and a common market they establish a common central bank which issues a common currency and controls the monetary policy of member countries

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28
Q

Monetary unions: conditions necessary for their success

A
  • mobility of labour: labour should be able to move without any major barriers (i.e language barrier) [Eurozone mainly speaks English, french and German]
  • mobility of finance: there should be complete MOF with prices and wages free to adjust based on market conditions. [strength of the eurozone, as labour markerts fluctuate based on market conditions]
  • similar trade cycles: the trade cycles of member countries should should be similar to avoid tensions with the union [2008 FC difference in south and north European countries]
  • Fiscal transfers: there should be automatic fiscal transfers to countries that are performing poorly. ???????
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29
Q

Benefits of regional trade agreements

A

+ trade creation imporves efficiency and generates higher income
+ tariffs between member states are eliminated and the common tariffs simplify their trading conditions (protecting them from cheap imports - New Zealand and Wales’ meat)

+Monetary union provides transparency, less uncertainty regarding exchange rates, some countries gain from the improved monetary prices.

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30
Q

Costs of regional trade agreements

A
  • trade diversion can worsen efficiency
  • domestic industries may experience structural unemployment
  • increased negative externalities of prod, environmental damage and recourse depletion
  • loss of sovereignity
  • member countries of a monetary union can lose the ability to set interest rates and control the supply of money (monetary policy)
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31
Q

Role of the WTO in trade liberalisation

A

The WTO promotes free trade.
The WTO has 2 main roles in trade liberalisation (process of removing trade barriers)

1) brings countries together at conferences and encourages them to reduce/eliminate protectionist trade barriers
2) acts as an adjudicating body in trade disputes. Member countries can file complaints and the WTO will run hearings and make a judgement

32
Q

Possible conflicts between regional trade agreements and the WTO

A

Even though trade agreements strengthen ties and encourage trade, it can create more conflicts with liberalising trade
There can be global inefficiency in the allocation of resources

33
Q

Reasons for the restrictions on trade:

A

Job protection: governments may be concerned that allowing imports will mean domestic producers will suffer because of the international firms
Infant industry argument: an industry that is just being established in a country. They need to be able to build a reputation and customer base - govt will need to protect until they can act on an international level
Protection from potential dumping: when a country with surplus sells to the rest of the world for very cheap prices, domestic producers are unable to compete with these prices
Terms of trade
Danger over speculation

34
Q

Define free trade

A

International trade without trade barriers

35
Q

Define trade barrier

A

A trade barrier is a restriction placed by the government on the import of a foreign good.

36
Q

Define Tariff

A

A tax paid on imports, increasing the price, creating a barrier to free trade

37
Q

4 types of restrictions on free trade

A

Tariffs
Quotas
Subsidies
Non-Tariff Barriers

38
Q

Draw the tariff diagram

A

Domestic Supply and Domestic Demand showing equilibrium
Then draw World supply (perfectly elastic, below the Eq)
Shows 3 quantities
There will be a shortage/excess demand, they will then import the missing units
Then draw WS + tariff (above the WS)
Shows 5 quantities

39
Q

Fully explain the effect of tariffs

A

A tariff is a tax and so it will increase the price of the imported good and shift the world supply curve up. This will lead to an extension in domestic supply as domestic producers are willing to sell more at a higher price - remember they don’t have to pay the tariff. There will be a contraction in domestic D as consumers don’t want to pay a higher price.
If domestic consumers are demanding less and domestic producers are supplying more, there will be a reduction in imports

40
Q

Define quotas

A

A physical limit on imports.

41
Q

Explain a quota

A

The limit is often set below the free market level of imports, as cheaper imports are limited, a quota will raise the market price.
As cheaper imports are limited, and a quota may create shortages

42
Q

Subsidies to domestic producers

A

lower COP, increase output, lower prices
with lower prices, their goods are more competitive internationally, exports will increase ad the increased output may result in increased domestic employment

43
Q

Why are non-tariff barriers used

A

They create barriers in a more subtle manner, making it harder for other countries to comply to, therefore there is less imports

44
Q

4 Non-tariff barriers methods

A
  • health and saftery regulations
  • product specifications
  • environmental regulations
  • product labelling
45
Q

Impacts of protectionist policies on consumers

A

t: cs falls
q: higher p lower choice
s: lower p, more q
n-t: reduces choice

46
Q

Impacts of protectionist policies on domestic producers

A

t: ps increases
q: output increases, revenue increase,
S: lower cop, higher output, higher comp
n-t; limits foreign comp, can increase p and rev

47
Q

Impacts of protectionist policies on govts

A

t: receive revenue
q: might receive higher revenue from higher corp tax
s: costs the govt the amount of the subsidy and there is an opportunity cost
n-t: lose some WTO credibility, enforcing them may be costly

48
Q

Impacts of protectionist policies on living standards

A

t:
q: reduces for customers because higher prices erode PPP
s: lower P = more disposable income
n-t: less choice + higher p erodes SoL but product labeling may improve decision making

49
Q

Impacts of protectionist policies on equality

A

t:
q: improves for dom
s: compete more
n-t: might help

50
Q

Define Balance of Payments

A

The BoP for a country is a record of all the financial transactions that occur between itself and the rest of the world

The money coming in is credit (+), money leaving the country is debit (-)

51
Q

2 components of the of the BoP

A

current account: all transactions related to goods/services along with payments related to the transfer of income

financial and capital account: all transactions related to savings, investment and currency stabilisation

CA = CFA

52
Q

BoP: the current account

A

records the net income that an economy gains from international transactions

goods are visible exports/imports
services are invisible exports/imports

net income is income transfers by citizens and corporations (credits: received from UK citizens who are abroad
and send remittances home
Debits: are sent by foreigners working in the UK back to their countries)

Current transfers are govt level payments between countries

53
Q

BoP: Capital Account

A

The capital account records the small capital flows between countries and is relatively inconsequential

examples: debt forgiveness and capital transfers by migrants as they emigrate/immigrate

54
Q

BoP: Financial Account

A

records the flow of all transactions associated with the changes of ownership of the UK’s foreign financial assets and liabilities

55
Q

Financial Account’s 4 subsections

A

1) FDI: flows of money to purchase a controlling interest in a foreign firm

2) Portfolio investment: flows of money to purchase foreign company shares

3) Financial derivatives: are sophisticated financial instruments which investors use to speculate and return a profit
4) Reserve assets: assets controlled by the central bank available for use in achieving the goals of monetary policy. Gold, IMF, Forex

56
Q

Causes of current account deficits (+surpluses)

A

(surplus in capital and financial account - the excess spending on imports [CA] has to be financed from money flowing in and the sale of assets [CFA])

  • low productivity: raises costs, decreased comp, higher domestic prices will cause consumers to import = falling exports and rising imports causes a deficit
  • high value of the country’s currency: exports are more expensive, foreign buyers will look for cheaper subs. exports fall, CA balance worsens, currency appreciation males imports cheaper = falling exports and rising imports causes a deficit

-high inflation: exports are more expensive, foreign buyers will look for cheaper subs. exports fall, CA balance worsens, currency appreciation males imports cheaper = falling exports and rising imports causes a deficit.
Also, goods/services are cheaper in other countries, domestic consumer’s demand for imports will rise, worsening the balance

57
Q

State 4 measures to reduce the imbalances on the current account

A

1)do not intervene, allow the market forces in the foreign exchange market to self-correct the deficit
2) expenditure switching policies
3) expenditure reducing policies
4) supply side policies

58
Q

Pros of the methods of reducing the imbalance on the CA

A

no intervention: higher imports will depreciate the currency and imports will decrease (as they are now more expensive), exports will increase (they are cheaper)
expenditure switching: changes demand to domestically produced g/s
expenditure reducing: deflationary fiscal policy invariably reduces discretionary income, demand falls, deficit improves
supply side: quality of products improves and COP falls. Increases exports

59
Q

Cons of the methods of reducing the imbalance on the CA

A

no intervention: external factors can stop the currency from depreciating, self-correction can take a long time, domestic businesses can go out of business
expenditure switching: trading partners may retaliate and reverse tariffs imposed, decreasing exports
expenditure reducing: deflationary fiscal policy can dampen domestic demand and output can fall, GDP slows, unemployment may rise
supply side: long-term policies, benefits may not be seen straight away. Can be subsidies and carry and OC.

60
Q

Significance of global trade imbalance

A

persistent surplus: focus of the allocation of resources is all on meeting foreign demand instead of domestic demand. This can limit the availability of g/s in the local economy which can decrease the standard of living. Can create instability for the forex market (if there is a floating ER.)

persistent deficit: finance from abroad (loans/FDI) is required to fund imports. A country may have to sell their assets and owing money creates vulnerability.

61
Q

What are the 3 exchange rate systems

A
  • floating exchange rate
  • fixed exchange rate
  • managed exchange rate
62
Q

Define exchange rate

A

the value of one currency expressed in terms of another currency

63
Q

Explain the floating exchange system

A

Set by the market forces of S + D. If there is excess demand, prices increase, currency appreciates

If there is excess supply, prices fall, currency depreciates

64
Q

Explain the fixed exchange rate

A

The central bank negotiates with the IMF to fix their currency to another one.
Revaluation: increases strength of currency
Devaluation: decreases strength of currency

65
Q

Explain the managed exchange rate

A

A combination of fixed and floating, the central bank will determine a preferred currency value and the currency is free to fluctuate within a certain threshold.

If it goes above this, they CB will sell their own currency to increase supply, this decreases the value and then brings the currency back down

If it goes below this, they will intervene by buying their own currency using foreign reserves, demand increases, raising the value

Increasing interest rates are more attractive to foreigners and they demand the local currency, decreasing interest rates will make them sell it and move their money elsewhere

66
Q

Factors that influence the appreciation/depreciation of the floating exchange rate

A

1) relative interest rates: influence the hot money flow between countries. If the UK increases IR, demand for £ increases from foreign investors, the £ appreciates

2) current account: UK exports have to be paid for in £. UK imports have to be paid for in local currency. Trade surplus = appreciation

3) net investment: FDI in the UK creates demand for the £, leading the £ to appreciate. FDI by UK firms abroad creates a supply of £, depreicates.

4) relative inflation rates: as inflation rises in the UK, its exports become more expensive so there is less demand, depreciates

5) speculation
6) quantitative easing: depreciates

67
Q

Govt intervention in currency markets through forex and interest rates

A

Changing interest rates - if the central bank wants to appreciate the country’s currency. It would raise interest rates, making it more attractive for foreigners to move money into the country’s banks.

Buying/selling currency in forex market:They can change the S+D for a currency using their reserves. To appreciate the currency they would buy it on the forex, if they want to depreciate the value, they would sell their own currency and buy foreign

68
Q

Consequences of competitive devaluation/depreciation and its consequences

A

When a currency is intentionally devalued/depreciated, exports are cheaper, higher export volumes and revenues.

Issues of intentional devaluation/depreciation:
SPICED
- anti-competitive
- larger coutnries have more financial resources to manipulate market and have an unfair advantage
- other countries may respond by also lowering thier currencies
-depreciation/devaluation raises the costs of imports (profits decreased)

69
Q

Impacts of changes in exchange rates

A

current account balance: SPICED, the extent to which it improves the CAB (depends on the marshall-lerner condition), there is also a time lag (j-curve)

unemployment: IF depreciation = ^ exports = unemployment falls because more productivity required.

FDI: Depreciation makes it cheaper for foreign firms to invest in a country and increase FDI, the money they invest is worth more

inflation: cost push inflation can occur because the price of raw materials increases with depreciation. Net exports are part of AD, a depreciation results in demand pull inflation

economic growth: net exports are a component of AD. Depreciation = ^ net exports = ^ AD

70
Q

Marshall-Lerner condition and exchange rates

A
71
Q

J curve and exchange rates

A
72
Q

Define international competitiveness

A

How well a coutnry’s products compete in international markets

73
Q

2 measures of international competitiveness

A

Relative unit labour costs: total wages in the economy/ output, the labour costs for each unit produced, this can be compared to other countries, the lower the costs = more competitive

Relative export prices: rising export prices = less competitive

74
Q

Factors influencing international competitiveness

A

*relative is important in this topic as it is relative to competitors

1) relative unit labour costs: ^ productivity lowers their costs and ^ comp. Decreased productivity worsens comp

2) relative wages: ^ labour costs make exports more expensive as costs ^ = worse comp. ^ in non-wage costs like NI/pensions raise COP = less comp

3) relative inflation: inflation will raise the prices of g/s. foreign buyers will pay more and this decreases comp (decreased inflation has the opposite effect)

4) relative level of regulation: govt regualtion will increase COP as the firms will need to meet requirements. Increased COP will raise prices of exports and comp worsens (deregulation has opposite effect)

75
Q

Benefits of international competitiveness

A

1) export led growth: increased exports generates increased economic activity resulting in economic growth

2) unemployment falls: economic growth = more employment, income and wage growth

3) current account surplus: exports>imports and government is not concerned about making policies to reduce deficit

4) increased overseas FDI: improves finance for firms to invest in overseas assets meaning they can increase profit

5) standards of living improve: income will rise with economic growth, households gain purchasing power and gain access to more g/s

76
Q

Drawbacks of being internationally uncompetitive

A

reverse of the positives
2. govt policies: current account deficit and lack of IC will make governments focus their resources on gaining ground, this will create opportunity costs

77
Q
A

Macroeconomics (11 decks)

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