The theory of absolute advantage is a quantity-based approach to measuring the productivity of nations with respect to their output in international commercial dealings.
The theory was an Adam Smith's submission that emphasizes that nations of the world should specialize in producing goods and services that they are most productive.
The theory failed to address a major problem that in gaining a benefit another alternative benefit is lost,hence nations should also factor in the benefits they lose when they specialize in producing certain products.
EIA's data for 2020 indicates that total U.S. petroleum production averaged about 18.375 million barrels per day (b/d), which included: crude oil—11.283 million b/d.
