Universität Bonn

Department of Economics

MEF-Seminar Summer 26

08.07.2026 - Pol Antras (Harvard University)

We develop a general equilibrium model of international trade in which the temporal structure of production is a key determinant of comparative advantage. Building on Böhm-Bawerk’s theory of capital, the model formalizes the idea that production processes with longer average periods of production (APPs) entail higher financing costs due to the time lag between input payments and revenue realization. We embed this insight into a multi-sector Ricardian framework with endogenous interest rates. Under autarky, countries with more patient consumers or more developed financial markets exhibit lower equilibrium interest rates and higher wage rates. With international trade, these countries typically gain a comparative advantage in sectors with longer APPs, though the model can also generate multiple equilibria and unconventional specialization patterns. We extend the framework to include trade costs (incl. of shipment delays), global value chains and international capital-market integration.
Time
Wednesday, 08.07.26 - 12:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Topic
“An ’Austrian’ Model of International Specialization”
Speaker
https://antras.scholars.harvard.edu/
Location
Juridicum, Adenauerallee 24-42
Room
Faculty Room
Reservation
not required
Organizer
Institute for Macroeconomics and Econometrics
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