New Trade Theory is a set of economic theories that seek to explain the patterns of international trade and the factors that drive trade between countries. It was developed in the 1980s as a response to the traditional trade theory, which focused on the differences between countries as the main determinant of trade.
One example of New Trade Theory is the concept of increasing returns to scale. Traditional trade theory assumes that firms produce a constant amount of output per unit of input, meaning that they experience constant returns to scale. However, New Trade Theory suggests that firms may experience increasing returns to scale, which means that the more they produce, the lower their average costs become. This can lead to a situation where a firm becomes more efficient as it expands production, giving it a competitive advantage in the global market.
Another example of New Trade Theory is the concept of imperfect competition. Traditional trade theory assumes that firms in different countries are perfect substitutes for one another, meaning that they produce identical products at the same price. However, New Trade Theory recognizes that firms may have unique characteristics that make them non-substitutable, such as a unique brand or patented technology. This can lead to a situation where firms have some control over the prices they charge, allowing them to earn higher profits and become more competitive in the global market.
New Trade Theory also incorporates the idea of externalities, which are the costs or benefits of an economic activity that are not reflected in the market price. For example, if a firm pollutes the air while producing a product, the cost of this pollution is not reflected in the price of the product. New Trade Theory suggests that externalities can affect trade patterns, as countries may choose to import products that have lower external costs, or to export products that have higher external benefits.
Overall, New Trade Theory offers a more nuanced and realistic view of international trade than traditional trade theory. It recognizes that trade is driven by a variety of factors, including the scale of production, the unique characteristics of firms, and externalities. By considering these factors, New Trade Theory helps economists better understand the patterns of trade that we see in the global economy.