Theory of International Trade
A Dual, General Equilibrium Approach

This book expounds trade theory emphasizing that a trading equilibrium is general rather than partial.

Avinash Dixit (Author), Victor Norman (Author)

9780521299695, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 September 1980

352 pages, 50 b/w illus.
21.6 x 13.2 x 1.8 cm, 0.45 kg

This book expounds trade theory emphasizing that a trading equilibrium is general rather than partial, and is often best modelled using dual or envelope functions. This yields a compact treatment of standard theory, clarifies some errors and confusions, and produces some new departures. In particular, the book (i) gives unified treatments of comparative statics and welfare, (ii) sheds new light on the factor-price equalization issue, (iii) treats the modern specific-factor model in parallel with the usual Heckscher-Ohlin one, (iv) analyses the balance of payments in general equilibrium with flexible and fixed prices, (v) studies imperfect competition and intra-industry trade.

1. The theory of international trade
2. Supply and demand using duality
3. International equilibrium and the gains from trade
4. Trade, specialization and factor prices
5. Comparative statics
6. Welfare and trade policy
7. Money and the balance of payments
8. Trade and payments with fixed prices
9. Scale economies and imperfect competition
Mathematical appendix
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: International trade [KCLT]