Question

Theory of Comparative Advantage: Define and explain the theory of comparative advantage.

Answer 1

Ricardo's Theory of Comparative Advantage ?

David Ricardo stated a theory that other things being equal a country tends to specialise in and exports those commodities in the production of which it has maximum comparative cost advantage or minimum comparative disadvantage. Similarly the country's imports will be of goods having relatively less comparative cost advantage or greater disadvantage.

1. Ricardo's Assumptions :-

Ricardo explains his theory with the help of following assumptions :-

1. There are two countries and two commodities.
2. There is a perfect competition both in commodity and factor market.
3. Cost of production is expressed in terms of labour i.e. value of a commodity is measured in terms of labour hours/days required to produce it. Commodities are also exchanged on the basis of labour content of each good.
4. Labour is the only factor of production other than natural resources.
5. Labour is homogeneous i.e. identical in efficiency, in a particular country.
6. Labour is perfectly mobile within a country but perfectly immobile between countries.
7. There is free trade i.e. the movement of goods between countries is not hindered by any restrictions.
8. Production is subject to constant returns to scale.
9. There is no technological change.
10. Trade between two countries takes place on barter system.
11. Full employment exists in both countries.
12. There is no transport cost.