Program Overview

AGB250 International Agriproduct Trade

This subject provides an introduction to international agrifood trade policy and competitiveness. It begins with an exploration of the basic theoretical framework for understanding the benefits of trade, why there are barriers to trade and why international trade rules are so important. It then examines agriproduct trade policy with a particular emphasis on new trade barriers and the role of the World Trade Organisation. The subject then looks at issues related to international competitiveness including competitiveness theory, transaction cost economics and international supply chain management.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• understand the basis of the gains from trade;
• understand the basis of agricultural protection and its impact on agricultural trade;
• be familiar with the role of the International Trade Agreements involving agriproducts and the growth of new barriers to trade;
• understand the elements of competitiveness theory and transaction cost economics and hence understand the new directions in international agriproduct trade.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• introduction to the theory of international trade (classical, neo-classical, strategic, political economy of protectionism, constitutional political economy of trade)
• an overview of agriproduct trade policy (trade-distorting agricultural policies, agricultural trade in WTO and new trade barriers, bilateral and multilateral trade agreements)
• an introduction to issue of agriproduct international competitiveness (competitiveness theory, transaction cost economics, international supply chain management)