In: Economics
Suppose there are two countries (a capital-abundant country and
a labor-abundant country) and two goods (labor-intensive...
Suppose there are two countries (a capital-abundant country and
a labor-abundant country) and two goods (labor-intensive good X and
capital-intensive good Y). The two countries have identical demand
for the two goods and are considering forming a free trade
agreement. However, while this agreement received support from most
voters in country A, many voters in country B were concerned that
the agreement will likely widen income inequality in country B.
- Please identify which country is likely labor abundant and
which country is likely capital abundant.
- Use a graph to illustrate why income inequality is likely to
widen in country B after the formation of the trade agreement
according to the Heckscher-Ohlin model.
- Discussion: what policy could be used to address the widening
income inequality in country B?