Question

Suppose that, due to exceptionally good weather in the Mid West, the United States experiences an increase in grain production in period 1. Use a graphical approach to analyze the effect of this shock on the current account, savings, investment, and the world interest rate in the United States and in a small open economy such as El Salvador.

Answer 1

In this question, we are not provided with the specific numbers that are necessary to produce a graphical approach. Therefore, we cannot provide that part of the answer. However, we are able to talk, in general terms, about what an increase of grain production in the United States would cause in the rest of the world.

This is an effect of what is known as globalization. Globalization refers to the integration of the world's markets in goods and services, as well as flows of investment and people across national boundaries.

In order for globalization to take place, several processes have to occur first. Nations begin specializing in the production of good and services in which they are relatively low-cost producers. This allows for mutual gains for people in trading countries. However, while some groups might benefit, some others might be harmed by this pattern, such as those producing the goods that compete with the imports. In this example, some countries might benefit, but those that compete with the United States in terms of grain production might be damaged by the increased production of the United States.