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