Question

Explain the differences between absolute advantages and comparative advantages. Provide an example to illustrate your explanation.

Answer 1

For Explain:  Absolute advantage refers to productivity, as in the producer who can produce a product at a lower cost in terms of the resources used in production. Comparative advantage refers to the producer who can produce a product at a lower opportunity cost. Comparative advantage is the principle upon which trade patterns are based. Comparative advantageis based on opportunity cost, and opportunity cost measures the real cost to an individual or country of producing a particular product. Opportunity cost is therefore the information necessary for an individual or nation to determine whether to produce a good or buy it from someone else.