129. Explain the theory of optimum currency areas.
Much of the analysis of the benefits and costs of Europe’s common currency is based on the
theory of an optimum currency area. According to this theory, the gains to be had from
sharing a currency across countries’ boundaries include more uniform prices; lower
transaction costs, greater certainty for investors, and enhanced competition. These gains must
be compared against the loss of an independent monetary policy and the option of changing
the exchange rate.
United States – BUSPROG: Promotion – BUSPROG: Analytic
United States – BUSPROG: Reflective Thinking
United States – PA – DISC: International trade and fi – DISC: International trade and finance
Economic Costs and Benefits of a Common Currency: The European Monetary Union
130. Who were the losers in the U.S. as a result of NAFTA?
All labor intensive, lower wage and import-competing businesses lost from reduced tariffs on
competing imports. Workers in import competing businesses lose if their businesses close or
relocate. Agricultural producing states saw an influx of cheaper Mexican agricultural
products. The Teamsters Union did not want competition from Mexican truck drivers.
United States – BUSPROG: Promotion – BUSPROG: Analytic
United States – BUSPROG: Reflective Thinking
United States – PA – DISC: International trade and fi – DISC: International trade and finance
North American Free Trade Agreement
131. Advocates of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) hoped that a (an) ______ in Mexican exports
would ______ the migration of labor from Mexico to the United States.