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The gains from external scale economies and comparative advantage

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  • Kwok Tong Soo

Abstract

This paper develops a many-good, many-country model of international trade which combines comparative advantage and external scale economies. It is shown that the gains from external scale economies outweigh those from comparative advantage as the number of goods increases. Small countries gain more than large countries from trade, because large countries are more similar to the rest of the world than small countries. Small countries are also more specialised in production than large countries, despite the presence of external scale economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Kwok Tong Soo, 2013. "The gains from external scale economies and comparative advantage," Working Papers 33867662, Lancaster University Management School, Economics Department.
    • Handle: RePEc:lan:wpaper:33867662
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    External scale economies; Comparative advantage; Gains from trade;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade

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