Heckscher-Ohlin Theorem

What is the ‘Heckscher-Ohlin Model’

The Heckscher-Ohlin design is a theory in economics discussing that nations export what can be most effectively and plentifully produced. This design is utilized to assess trade and, more specifically, the balance of trade between 2 nations that have varying specializeds. Emphasis is put on the exportation of products needing elements of production that a country has in abundance and the importation of products that the country can not produce as efficiently.

BREAKING DOWN ‘Heckscher-Ohlin Design’

At its center, the Heckscher-Ohlin model’s goal is to mathematically discuss the methods by which a country need to operate when resources are imbalanced throughout the world, implying resources a nation lacks are plentiful in other places, with various countries having different resources in abundance to feed into the international market.

Example

For example, particular countries have extensive oil reserves but have really little iron ore. Meanwhile, other nations can quickly gain access to and store precious metals but have little in the method of farming. The Heckscher-Ohlin design is not limited to commodities that can be traded however integrates other production factors, including labor. The costs of labor differ from one nation to another, so countries that have cheap labor forces, according to the model, ought to focus primarily on producing products that are too labor-intensive for other nations to concentrate on.

Proof

While the Heckscher-Ohlin model rings rational, and relatively affordable, the majority of economic experts have trouble tracking evidence that really supports the model. The reality is that a variety of other models have actually been used in an effort to describe why industrialized and established countries typically lean towards trading with one another and rely less greatly on trade with establishing markets. This theory is detailed and discussed by the Linder hypothesis.

History

The primary work behind the theory existed in a 1919 Swedish paper written by Eli Heckscher and was later on strengthened by his trainee, Bertil Ohlin, in his 1933 book. A variety of years later on, economic expert Paul Samuelson broadened the original model– mainly through posts composed in 1949 and 1953. This is why the model is frequently referred to as the Heckscher-Ohlin-Samuelson model.

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