Using your economic knowledge and your research, compose a 350- to 450-word editorial that evaluates the effectiveness of these two agreements (Australian Free Trade Agreement & Singapore Free Trade Agreement) in bettering the US economy. Keep in mind that evaluating means discussing the pros and the cons, picking the side that seems stronger, and using facts to justify your choice. Be sure to use topic sentences, transitions, conclusions, and introductions; proofread your editorial; and cite your sources.

The benefits of trade agreements are not felt evenly by all industries in an economy. In fact, even member nations gain varying advantages by entering into trade agreements. However, despite these drawbacks, the United States continues to act on its commitment to free trade. In 2005, the United States signed a fair trade agreement (FTA) with Australia, and in 2012, it signed a trade protection agreement (TPA) with Colombia. Both agreements have been in force for a while. Now the question is, Have these agreements benefited the US economy? Let’s examine the impact of the bilateral agreements with Colombia and Australia on the US economy.

According to the USTR, the International Trade Commission (ITC) predicted that the United States–Colombia TPA would increase national GDP by $2.5 billion (Office of the US Trade Representative). Under the TPA, US exports to Colombia increased from $12.0 billion in 2010 to $18.3 billion in 2013 (US Department of State). The TPA seems to have delivered on its promise, because according to the USTR, US exports to Colombia increased by 30% in 2013 (Office of the US Trade Representative). So financially, Colombia is a lucrative market for the United States. However, the main opposition to the TPA stemmed from concerns about the terrible labor conditions in Colombia and the violent threats to those seeking to improve labor conditions in a country rife with crime. Although violence is a major concern, the FTA will eventually help both nations by bringing about social and labor reforms through economic activity. By helping Colombia become a peaceful country, the United States can pave the way for increased trade with Colombia in the future.

The United States–Australia FTA received considered opposition in both countries. US dairy farmers, ranchers, and small farmers were anxious about job losses resulting from the free entry of Australian products into the US market. However, if we judge by the boost in exports, the FTA has contributed to overall US economic growth. According to the USTR, in the first five years of the FTA, US exports to Australia increased by 33% (Office of the US Trade Representative). The FTA removed all tariffs on American imports into Australia, giving US exporters barrier-free entry into Australian markets.

The export industry plays a key role in driving economic growth and generating jobs in the United States. Colombia and Australia are two large and important markets for US exporters. The United States faces competition from other nations for access to these markets. By signing trade agreements, American goods can compete effectively in these markets. Although the agreements with Colombia and Australia are opposed for valid reasons, the agreements will benefit the US economy over time

marginal cost is a microeconomic measure that us to evaluate the extent to which the level of production of a good is sustainable in accounting, that is, to how many quantities the company plans to profit from the production of the good.

the concept of marginal cost is simple, it means the cost of producing one more item. for example, in the case of pies, the marginal cost is the cost of producing one more pie than those that have already been produced.

it is important to understand that productive activity influences marginal cost. the marginal cost of some goods can be very high, while others may be insignificant. for example, the marginal cost of producing an extra plane is very high. already the marginal cost of a water company to provide 1l more water is derisory.

in the case of pies, the cost involves the inputs, the labor and the fixed cost, which involves the fixed space of the bakery. the level of production initially has the marginal cost decreasing because there is space and manpower available. however, to produce more you have to hire more workers and buy more inputs. if physical space is limited, workers will conflict with places, inputs and their productivity will decrease, meaning there is an optimum point of production for each level of space and manpower. from this point on, the productivity of the workers will be getting smaller because of lack of space, so that the marginal cost of producing one more pie will be increasing. so, although you have not posted the chart, but if you have the answer, you can see that my explanation goes according to the marginal cost curve that will increase from the 4th pie, answer (c).

answer; criterion validity