International Trade
Unit Outlines

International Trade

AI Generated Intermediate 30 hours 7 topics

Learning Objectives

5 objectives
  • Understand the basic concepts and significance of international trade in the global economy.
  • Analyze key theories explaining international trade and their influence on trade patterns.
  • Identify and evaluate trade barriers, agreements, and their impacts on global commerce.
  • Examine the roles of major international trade organizations and institutions.
  • Assess trade policies, globalization effects, and sustainable trade practices in modern trade.

Content Outline

Preview

Unit 2795: International Trade Fundamentals and Practices

1. Introduction to International Trade

  • Definition of International Trade
  • Importance in the Global Economy
  • Key Terms: Exports, Imports, Balance of Trade
  • Benefits of International Trade
    • Economic growth
    • Access to resources and technology
    • Consumer benefits
  • Challenges of International Trade
    • Political and economic risks
    • Cultural and legal differences
    • Currency fluctuations

2. Theories of International Trade

  • Absolute Advantage Theory
    • Concept and examples
    • Implications for trade
  • Comparative Advantage Theory
    • Principle and case studies
    • Opportunity cost and specialization
  • Factor Proportions (Heckscher-Ohlin) Theory
    • Factor endowments
    • Impact on trade patterns
  • Other Relevant Theories (brief overview)
    • Product Life Cycle Theory
    • New Trade Theory
  • Influence of Theories on Trade Policies

3. Trade Barriers and Agreements

  • Trade Barriers
    • Tariffs: types and effects
    • Quotas: import and export limits
    • Non-Tariff Barriers: standards, licensing, subsidies
  • Impact of Trade Barriers on Economies
  • Trade Agreements
    • Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
    • Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs)
    • Multilateral Agreements
  • Role of Trade Agreements in Promoting or Hindering Trade

4. Trade Organizations and Institutions

  • World Trade Organization (WTO)
    • History and objectives
    • Functions and dispute resolution
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
    • Role in global financial stability
    • Lending and surveillance functions
  • World Bank
    • Development financing
    • Support for trade infrastructure
  • Other Relevant Organizations
    • United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
    • Regional Development Banks

5. Trade Policies and Regulations

  • Trade Liberalization
    • Concepts and benefits
    • Examples of liberalization policies
  • Protectionism
    • Reasons and instruments
    • Effects on domestic industries
  • Trade Remedies
    • Anti-dumping measures
    • Countervailing duties
    • Safeguards
  • Impact of Trade Policies on National Economies

6. Globalization and International Trade

  • Definition and Dimensions of Globalization
  • Globalization's Influence on Trade Growth
  • International Supply Chains
    • Structure and management
    • Effects on production and distribution
  • Economic Integration of Countries
  • Challenges of Globalization in Trade
    • Economic inequality
    • Regulatory issues
    • Political backlash
  • Opportunities Presented by Globalization

7. Sustainable Trade Practices

  • Importance of Sustainability in Trade
  • Environmental Considerations
    • Carbon footprint of trade
    • Resource management
  • Labor Standards and Ethical Trading
    • Fair labor practices
    • Child labor and human rights
  • Concept of Fair Trade
    • Principles and certification
  • Role of Sustainability in Future Trade Policies
Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for International Trade.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan

Learning Outcomes

Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.

Assessment Methods

Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.

Quick Information

Unit International Trade
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration30 hours
Topics7
CreatedJul 19, 2026
GeneratedJul 19, 2026 19:56

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of economics principles
  • Familiarity with global geography and world economies
  • Foundational knowledge of international business

Recommended Resources

  • Krugman, P., Obstfeld, M., & Melitz, M. (2018). International Economics: Theory and Policy. Pearson.
  • World Trade Organization (WTO) official website - https://www.wto.org
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF) official website - https://www.imf.org
  • World Bank official website - https://www.worldbank.org
  • UNCTAD Trade and Development Report - https://unctad.org/topic/trade-and-development
  • Fair Trade International - https://www.fairtrade.net

Unit Topics

7
Introduction to International Trade
This topic will cover the basics of international trade, including the definition of international t...
Theories of International Trade
In this topic, students will explore the various theories that explain why countries engage in inter...
Trade Barriers and Agreements
This topic will examine different types of trade barriers, including tariffs, quotas, and non-tariff...
Trade Organizations and Institutions
This topic will focus on major international trade organizations and institutions such as the World...
Trade Policies and Regulations
This topic will cover the different trade policies that governments use to regulate international tr...
Globalization and International Trade
This topic will discuss the relationship between globalization and international trade, including ho...
Sustainable Trade Practices
This topic will address the importance of sustainable trade practices in international trade, includ...