TA5 International Trade

13.8.2026 - 30.12.2026

5 cr

Face-to-face

Intermediate studies

The course is designed both as a stand-alone course in international trade theory and policy, and a foundation for further study of advanced international trade theory and international economics. The course covers the main topics in international trade and is organised in three major parts: introduction, trade theory and trade policy. In the beginning, the course provides an introduction to trade in the global economy highlighting key empirical facts of trade patterns. In the second part, the course deals with all major trade theories that cover areas including technology and trade (e.g., the Ricardian Model), gains and losses from trade (the specific-factors model), endowment and trade (the Heckscher-Ohlin model), the standard trade model. The course also covers new trade theories describing the importance of economies of scale and international location of production as well as how firms behave in the global economy in a world of competition. Then in the third part, the course will concentrate on trade policy issues. We will cover topics including offshoring of goods and services, tariffs and quotas under perfect and imperfect competition, infant industry protection and export policies in resource-based and hightech industries.

Contains

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No active implementations at present.

Additional information and registration

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Additional information:

Fields

Social sciences

Scope

5 cr

Code

ECOK-259

On successful completion of the course, students should be able to
(1) describe the assumptions and structure of standard models of international trade theory,
(2) use such models to analyse diverse real issues in international economics.
(3) specify the conditions under which trade is beneficial for individual economies and international community as well as identify winners and losers from trade,
(4) highlight the implications of trade on firm performance, productivity growth, and income distribution under various circumstances,
(5) understand the political economy of trade policy and how institutions and different trade policy instruments affect international trade,
(6) recognise the effects of international trade on economic development, international politics and the environment.
(7) discuss the causes and the resolutions of international trade disputes, and
(8) review the dynamics of world trading system and international coordination.

Target group

The course is open to students from all degree programmes. The course can also be included in the continuous learning course offerings.

Timing

Varies from year to year.

Completion methods

Optional participation in contact teaching. The course can be implemented in different forms as part of the degree programme's continuous learning offerings.

Assessment practices and criteria

The teacher decides whether the course grade is based on an exam, an assignment or the writing and peer review of learning diaries.

Study modules

Code: ECOK-500
Name: Economics, study module

Code: LAS-SDS110
Name: Economics 1, Liberal Arts and Sciences, study module

Code: LAS-SDS120
Name: Economics 2, Liberal Arts and Sciences, study module

Organiser

University of Helsinki

Contact details

uni-help@helsinki.fi

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