Week 2
University of Phoenix
Eco/GM 561

When a country decides on something that they are going to produce this product has to set them apart from other countries. A country bases their product on factors such as how much it costs them to produce it and if it sets them apart from the competition. A comparative advantage is the driving force of production for every country. In this paper we will discuss comparative advantage, abundant factors in the production of certain products, recommendations for the country to specialize in, and industries the country of my choice protects (if any). For the purpose of this paper I have chosen to explore the Netherlands and their comparative advantage. I chose this country for personal reasons as my father was born and raised in The Netherlands until he came to the United States at sixteen years of age. When you first think of the Netherlands you might think cheese or Tulips as they are well known for both of those products. The Netherlands has a high comparative advantage when it comes to skilled labor intensive work. First, let’s explore what comparative advantage is. Investopedia.com explains comparative advantage as “an economic law that demonstrates the ways in which protectionism is unnecessary in free trade. Comparative advantage argues that free trade works even if one partner in a deal holds absolute advantage in all areas of production- that is, one partner makes products cheaper, better and faster than its trading partner”. My interpretation of this definition is that a country, for example the Netherlands, will always have a comparative advantage of the flower industry even if another country can produce the same product for less. They will have this advantage because the Netherlands are known and thought of as having beautiful Tulips. Comparative advantage is vital to a country because it is often what will