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The Infeasibility of Free Trade in Classical Theory: Ricardo's Comparative Advantage Parable has no Solution

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  • Ron Baiman

Abstract

In this paper, formal models of Ricardo's comparative advantage parable, which include general forms of consumer price response behavior, are constructed from a detailed textual exegesis of Ricardo's story. Using these models, the comparative advantage parable is shown to be mathematically over-determined and therefore generally unsolvable. To reinforce this conclusion, a numerical solution is derived for a constant elasticity version of the model. A necessary condition for the existence of a solution to the constant elasticity model is that two price elasticities of demand must be functions of the other two price elasticities of demand. General formulas are derived expressing this dependency. When realistic elasticities for wine are set, the model can only be solved if Portuguese demand for English cloth is unrealistically elastic. This demonstrates that sustainable and mutually beneficial trade between England and Portugal can only be realized through managed trade.

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  • Ron Baiman, 2010. "The Infeasibility of Free Trade in Classical Theory: Ricardo's Comparative Advantage Parable has no Solution," Review of Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 22(3), pages 419-437.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:revpoe:v:22:y:2010:i:3:p:419-437
    DOI: 10.1080/09538251003665693
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mill, John Stuart, 1848. "Principles of Political Economy (II): Distribution," History of Economic Thought Books, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, volume 2, number mill1848-2.
    2. Mill, John Stuart, 1848. "Principles of Political Economy (III): Exchange," History of Economic Thought Books, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, volume 3, number mill1848-3.
    3. Ricardo, David, 1821. "On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation," History of Economic Thought Books, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, edition 3, number ricardo1821.
    4. Mill, John Stuart, 1848. "Principles of Political Economy (I): Production," History of Economic Thought Books, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, volume 1, number mill1848-1.
    5. Wagner, Alfred, 1891. "Marshall's Principles of Economics," History of Economic Thought Articles, McMaster University Archive for the History of Economic Thought, vol. 5, pages 319-338.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jorge Morales Meoqui, 2017. "Ricardo's Numerical Example Versus Ricardian Trade Model: a Comparison of Two Distinct Notions of Comparative Advantage," Economic Thought, World Economics Association, vol. 6(1), pages 35-55, March.

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