An Inframarginal Analysis of the Ricardian Model

B-Tier
Journal: Review of International Economics
Year: 2000
Volume: 8
Issue: 2
Pages: 208-220

Authors (3)

Wenli Cheng (not in RePEc) Jeffrey Sachs (not in RePEc) Xiaokai Yang

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper shows that a 2 × 2 Ricardian model has a unique general equilibrium, and the comparative statics of the equilibrium involve discontinuous jumps. If partial division of labor occurs in equilibrium, the country producing both goods would impose a tariff, whereas the country producing a single good would prefer unilateral free trade. If complete division of labor occurs in equilibrium, both countries would negotiate to achieve free trade. In a model with three countries, the country which does not have a comparative advantage relative to the other two countries, and/or which has low transaction efficiency, may be excluded from trade.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:bla:reviec:v:8:y:2000:i:2:p:208-220
Journal Field
International
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-25