Final answer:
The statement provided is false; trade can be beneficial even when abilities are the same due to the principle of comparative advantage. Countries can gain from trade by specializing in producing goods where they have the lowest opportunity cost, thereby optimizing efficiency and creating a mutually beneficial trade relationship.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that if everyone had the same abilities, then no one could benefit from trade is false. The concept of comparative advantage explains why trade can be beneficial even when one party has an absolute advantage in all goods. Comparative advantage suggests that economic agents should specialize in the production of goods for which they have a lower opportunity cost, thus allowing for gains from trade through the process of mutual exchange.
Even if a high-income country can produce all products with fewer resources than a low-income country, creating an absolute advantage across the board, there are still gains from trade. This is because trade isn't solely about the resources used but instead is centered on the concept of comparative advantage. Both countries can benefit from trading with one another when they specialize in goods where they each have a comparative advantage, leading to efficient production and a mutually beneficial relationship.
It is also crucial to recognize that international trade impacts different social groups in various ways. As such, while international trade brings about more productivity, higher wages, and more consumer choices, it is important to consider the individuals and communities that might be negatively affected and adjust public policy accordingly.