International Trade Flashcards
what is international trade?
exchange of goods, money and services between countries
general trends of international trade
LICs export low value primary goods
- eg raw materials, oil
HICs export high value secondary goods
- eg cars
more than 50% trade in DCs with other DCs
how has the pattern of trade changed?
developed countries still have biggest role in trade
- G7 countries = 50% world trade
but many NEEs are becoming more important
increased share in world trade
- eg China, growth in manufacturing
now largest exporter
LICs - increasing role in last decade
eg south to south trade
LeastDCs - exports increased by 31% between 2019 and 2022
rise in fair trade, supports producers in LICs
more trading blocs mean more countries are involved in international trade as barriers are removed
how has the volume of trade changed?
globalisation has increased amount of international trade as countries more connected
rely on imports and exports
- manufacture abroad where cheaper and import goods
how has pattern of investment changed?
HICs used to invest in HICs
remain largest source of FDI but now invest in NEEs and LICs
- china 3rd largest recipient of FDI
but flows by NEEs increasing
- NEEs are investing more in LICs
eg China in African countries
LICs receiving FDI from HICs and more NEEs
how has volume of investment changed?
volume of FDI increased
- 4x between 1996 and 2006
why did most trade happen between developed countries?
(however NEEs such as china becoming more important in global trade)
- more likely to have trade agreements
- better infrastructure so quicker and easier
- specialise in high tech good, require money
- people weather so have higher disposable income
why are emerging economies becoming more important to global trade?
lower labour costs - cheaper manufacturing, attracts FDI
= increased exports
experiencing rapid economic growth, demand for more products as income rises
large and growing populations
= more imports
why are less developed countries less involved in international trade?
less likely to be well connected with god infrastructure to manufacture and transport goods
lower GDP, lack capital to invest in infrastructure
consumer markets smaller, less disposable income
more likely to suffer from political instability, deters FDI
what do each type of country export?
developed countries and emerging economies
- secondary commodities
- manufactured products (adds value)
eg cars
less developed countries
- primary commodities
- raw materials or natural resources (low value)
eg crude oil
how having trade relationships changed?
HICs often trade with HICs
- however increased trade with NEEs such as China (increased manufacturing)
LICs often trade raw materials - low value
NEEs have role in manufacturing goods
what is a trading bloc?
agreements between governments on trade
- remove barriers (such as quotas and tariffs) between members to promote and manage trade
- increases access to markets
aims
- promote economic integration between members by increasing trade and investment flows
- leads to increased economic growth and development
examples of trading blocs
EU
NAFTA
the EU
EU - 1956
objective to integrate economy of Europe
though trade and economic growth
make future conflict less likely
- euro adopted by most countries so trade easier
- free movement of people within allowed labour to move around
successes of the EU
free movement of people
encourages FDI, positive multiplier effect
encourages trade between EU countries
ensure food security in Europe