Diese englische Hausarbeit untersucht die Entwicklung des weltweiten Handels des Rohstoffs Zink sowie die Preisentwicklung und mögliche Ursachen von Preisschwankungen
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
1.1 Problem definition
1.2 Structure
2. Zinc world trade
2.1 Introduction to Zinc
2.2 World Zinc Production
2.3 Trade situation
2.3.1 Globally
2.3.2 Zinc trade in China
2.4 Zinc price development
3. Trade barriers for zinc
3.1 Evidence for trade barriers
3.2 Introduced trade barriers
3.3 Effectiveness
4. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study examines the international trade dynamics of zinc, focusing specifically on the impact of Chinese export restrictions on global markets. It explores the relationship between commodity price fluctuations, demand inelasticity, and the implementation of trade barriers within the framework of WTO regulations.
- Global zinc production and distribution patterns
- Economic drivers of zinc price volatility
- Mechanisms of Chinese export trade barriers
- Impact of export restrictions on international market competition
- Compliance with WTO trade agreements
Excerpt from the Book
3.3 Effectiveness
Export trade barriers for natural resources can have huge impacts on countries dependent on imports of these resources. Especially trade barriers for raw materials, which are used in the steel industry such as zinc, lead to massive disadvantages for import dependent countries. For countries like Germany, which is dependent on its car industry, trade barriers for raw materials lead to an absolute disadvantage.
If export restrictions are introduced, domestic consumers will benefit, because the home market price will decrease, whereas, if the barrier introducing country is large, the world market price will also increase. Domestic price will decrease due to excess supply. Looking at given data, zinc prices have increased 2005 and 2007 (Figure 7). However, it is difficult to determine, if trade barriers were the main reason for this price rally.
In addition, Table 3 proves, that applied trade barriers, in this case export quotas, can restrict the exported amount to a minimum.
Export restraints also give domestic producers competetive advantage, because they may produce at a lower price and therefore can increase the quantity of the production. On the other hand, foreign producers will have higher costs of production. Some countries are more dependent on trade of natural resources than others. A few have such small economies, that even though they are abundant of resources, their markets are so small that they have to export everything. Others have no resources, so they are dependent on supply and therefore imports. Restrictions cause higher prices or less quantity. These restrictions become therefore trade instruments (WTO Report, 2010b, p. 114).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter defines the problem regarding international trade dependencies in the commodity sector and outlines the structural approach of the essay.
2. Zinc world trade: This section analyzes the characteristics of zinc, its global production volume, and the patterns of international trade, specifically focusing on the Chinese market and price development.
3. Trade barriers for zinc: This chapter presents evidence of applied trade barriers, details the specific mechanisms used by China to restrict exports, and evaluates their economic effectiveness.
4. Conclusion: The final chapter summarizes the findings regarding the competitive disadvantages caused by Chinese trade measures and their inconsistency with GATT/WTO obligations.
Keywords
Zinc, Commodity Market, International Trade, Trade Barriers, Export Restrictions, China, WTO, GATT, Supply and Demand, Price Development, Resource Base, Galvanization, Economic Growth, Global Trade, Industrial Consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper investigates the international trade policy regarding zinc, with a specific focus on the trade barriers implemented by China and their subsequent effects on global markets and pricing.
What are the central thematic fields covered in the work?
The work covers global commodity production, the mechanics of international trade, the economic impact of trade protectionism, and the legal frameworks established by the WTO.
What is the primary objective of this thesis?
The primary objective is to identify the reasons behind China's application of trade barriers for zinc and to analyze the economic consequences of these policies for both domestic and international markets.
Which scientific methodology is applied in this study?
The study utilizes a descriptive and analytical approach, synthesizing trade data from sources like the UN Comtrade database, WTO reports, and economic industry analyses to interpret market trends.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section details the usage and production of zinc, examines the historical price development, provides statistical evidence for trade barriers, and classifies the specific export restrictions currently employed.
How would you characterize the work's keywords?
The keywords center on the intersection of commodity trading, economic policy, and international law, reflecting the technical and policy-oriented scope of the research.
How does the author define the effectiveness of trade barriers in this context?
The author defines effectiveness as the ability of an exporting country to artificially influence domestic price, demand, and supply, although these measures are noted to be frequently inconsistent with international obligations.
Why is zinc considered a significant commodity for trade policy?
Zinc is vital for industrial processes, particularly in the steel and automotive industries. Its scarcity and industrial necessity make it a strategic resource prone to trade manipulation.
What is the significance of the year 2007 in the context of the zinc market?
The year 2007 represents a peak in global zinc trade volume and prices, followed by a dramatic decrease during the subsequent global economic crisis.
What is the main argument regarding China's role in the global zinc trade?
The paper argues that while China is the largest producer and possesses the highest resource base, it has implemented unfair trade restrictions to gain competitive advantages, which ultimately conflicts with its status as a WTO member.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Alina Leirich (Autor:in), 2012, Trade Essay: National Resources, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/204796
