Question

Suppose France can produce four phones or three computers with one unit of labor, and Sweden can produce one phone or two computers with one unit of labor. If France can trade only with Sweden, then the theory of comparative advantage suggests that:________.

Answer 1

France should specialize in producing phones and import computers from Sweden

Step-by-step explanation:

France can produce: 4 phones or 3 computers

The opportunity cost of producing 1 phone = (3 ÷ 4)

= 0.75 computers

The opportunity cost of producing 1 computer = (4 ÷ 3)

= 1.33 phones

Sweden can produce: 1 phone or 2 computers

The opportunity cost of producing 1 phone = (2 ÷ 1)

= 2 computers

The opportunity cost of producing 1 computer = (1 ÷ 2)

= 0.5 phones

According to the comparative advantage,

Sweden has a comparative advantage in producing computers because the opportunity cost of producing computers is lower for Sweden than for France.

France has a comparative advantage in producing phones because the opportunity cost of producing phones is lower for France than for Sweden and import computers from Sweden because Sweden has a comparative advantage in producing computers.