In: Economics
Ricardian Model with Technological Progress: Consider the Ricardian model of trade. Two countries, Paraguay and Uruguay, produce two goods, Beef (B) and Soybeans (S), using only labor. Paraguay can produce one tonne of Beef with 3 units of labor and one tonne of Soybeans with 3 units of labor. Uruguay can produce one tonne of Beef with 2 units of labor and one tonne of Soybeans with 3 units of labor. Both countries are endowed with a labor force of 90 units (each). Preferences are the same in the two countries and are described by the following Cobb-Douglas utility function: U(B,S) = B^(1/3)S^(2/3)
(i) Which country has an absolute advantage in Beef? Which country has an absolute advantage in Soybeans? Which country has a comparative advantage in Beef? Which country has a comparative advantage in Soybeans?
(ii) Derive and draw the relative supply of Beef. Derive and draw (in the same graph as above) the relative demand for Beef. Find the equilibrium relative price of Beef. Do both countries completely specialize? How much do they produce, consume, export and import?
(iii) What is the real wage measured in terms of Beef and in terms of Soybeans in Paraguay and in Uruguay? Compare those numbers with what you have found for autarky and comment on whether this comparison tells you something about gains from trade. Which country has higher real wages in the trade equilibrium? Can you relate your answer to productivity differences?