Suppose that the small country of Fiji is isolated from the rest of the world and no international trade occurs due to prohibitively high transportation costs. Amongst other things, Fijians produce and consume coconuts and material (for making clothes) in perfectly competitive markets.
(a) Illustrate the equilibrium autarky price and quantity of coconuts and material and the associated consumer and producer surpluses. Suppose that transportation costs fall dramatically and that international trade is now commercially viable and that the Fijian government does not implement any trade restricting policies.
(b) Suppose that, the world price of coconuts (adjusted for the reduced transportation costs) is significantly higher than Fiji's autarky price. Illustrate the new competitive equilibrium in Fiji's coconut market and identify: any exports or imports of coconuts; the new consumer and producer surpluses and the gains from international trade. How would your answer change if Fiji produced a significant proportion of the world's coconuts (i.e. it was not "small" in this market)?
(c) Suppose that, the world price of material (adjusted for the reduced transportation costs) is significantly lower than Fiji's autarky price of material. Illustrate the new competitive equilibrium in Fiji's material market and identify: any exports or imports of materials; the new consumer and producer surpluses and the gains from international trade.
(d) Within Fiji, who gains and who losses from international trade in coconuts and materials and by how much? (Refer to your charts in parts (b) and (c)).