Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Introduction

Chapter Organization

Introduction What is International Economics About? International Economics: Trade and Money

The study of international economics has never been as important as it is now.• At the beginning of the 21st century, nations are more

closely linked through trade in goods and services, through flows of money, and through investment in each others’ economies than ever before.

• Figure 1-1 shows that international trade for the United States has roughly tripled in importance compared with the U.S. economy as a whole.

Introduction

Figure 1-1: Exports and Imports as a Percentage of U.S. National Income

Introduction

Figure 1-2: Exports and Imports as Percentages of National Income in 1994

Introduction

International economics deals with economic interactions that occur between independent nations.• The role of governments in regulating international trade

and investment is substantial.

• Governments also control the supply of currency.

There are several issues that recur throughout the study of international economics.

What is International Economics About?

The Gains from Trade• Many people are skeptical about importing goods that

a country could produce for itself.

• When countries sell goods to one another, all countries benefit.

• Trade and income distribution– International trade might hurt some groups within

nations.


The Pattern of Trade (who sells what to whom?)• Climate and resources determine the trade pattern of

several goods.

• In manufacturing and services the pattern of trade is more subtle.

• There are two types of trade:– Inter-industry trade depends on differences across

countries.

– Intra-industry trade depends on market size and occurs among similar countries.


How Much Trade?• Many governments are trying to shield certain industries

from international competition.

• This has created the debate dealing with the costs and benefits of protection relative to free trade.


The Balance of Payments• Some countries run large trade surpluses.

– For example, in 2007 China ran trade surpluses of about $262.2 billion.

• Is it good to run a trade surplus and bad to run a trade deficit?

Exchange Rate Determination• The role of changing exchange rates is at the center of

international economics.



International Policy Coordination• A fundamental problem in international economics is how

to produce an acceptable degree of harmony among the international trade and monetary policies of different countries without a world government that tells countries what to do.

The International Capital Market• There are risks associated with international capital markets:

– Currency floating– National default

International Economics: Trade and Money

International trade analysis focuses primarily on the real transactions in the international economy.• These transactions involve a physical movement of

goods or a tangible commitment of economic resources.– Example: The conflict between the United States and

Europe over Europe’s subsidized exports of agricultural products

International monetary analysis focuses on the monetary side of the international economy. • That is, financial transactions such as foreign

purchases of U.S. dollars.– Example: The dispute over whether the foreign

exchange value of the RMB should be allowed to float freely or be stabilized by government action


International trade issues• Part I: International Trade Theory

• Part II: International Trade Policy

International monetary issues• Part III: Exchange Rates and Open-Economy

Macroeconomics

• Part IV: International Macroeconomic Policy


References

International Trade, 12th, Thomas A. Pugel, 中国人民大学出版社

国际经济学，第六版，保罗 · 克鲁格曼 (Paul R. Krugman) ，中国人民大学出版社

国际经济学，第八版，罗伯特 ·J· 凯伯 (Robert J. Carbaugh) ，机械工业出版社

Chapter 1

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