What is the principle of comparative advantage?
In this regard, what is the principle of comparative cost advantage?
The theory of comparative advantage states that if countries specialise in producing goods where they have a lower opportunity cost – then there will be an increase in economic welfare. Note, this is different to absolute advantage which looks at the monetary cost of producing a good.
In this way, what are the principles of comparative advantage?
Comparative advantage is when a country produces a good or service for a lower opportunity cost than other countries. Opportunity cost measures a trade-off. A nation with a comparative advantage makes the trade-off worth it. The benefits of buying its good or service outweigh the disadvantages.
Comparative advantage, economic theory, first developed by 19th-century British economist David Ricardo, that attributed the cause and benefits of international trade to the differences in the relative opportunity costs (costs in terms of other goods given up) of producing the same commodities among countries.