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Date November 2021 Marks available 2 Reference code 21N.3.HL.TZ0.3
Level Higher level Paper Paper 3 Time zone Time zone 0
Command term Calculate Question number 3 Adapted from N/A

Question

Table 5 shows selected items of the balance of payments for Laylaland in 2020. Figures are in millions of US dollars (US$).

Table 5

Laylaland has a current account deficit of US$1865 million.

Chia seeds are an agricultural good produced in many countries and priced in US dollars (US$).

Figure 1 illustrates the market for chia seeds in a small country called Nofiberland. D is the domestic demand and S is the domestic supply for chia seeds. Chia seeds can be initially imported at the current world price of US$15.00 per kg. Sw is therefore the world supply faced in Nofiberland with free trade. To protect Nofiberland producers, the government decides to impose a US$6.00 tariff on chia seed imports. St is therefore the world supply faced in Nofiberland after the tariff is imposed.

Figure 1

Quinoa is a great source of protein and is thus considered a “super food”. As a result, the demand for quinoa in advanced economies has lately been rising very fast while global supply has not changed. A small country called Proteinland gets 80 % of its export revenues from exporting quinoa to advanced economies.

Distinguish between credit and debit items in the balance of payments.

[2]
a.

State one example of a debit item from the financial account of the balance of payments.

[1]
b.

Using Table 5, calculate the value of net current transfers for Laylaland in 2020.

[1]
c.

Using Table 5, calculate the net exports of goods and services for Laylaland in 2020.

[2]
d.

Explain two methods that Laylaland’s government could use to correct the current account deficit.

[4]
e.

List two administrative barriers that Nofiberland could have used to limit imports of chia seeds.

[2]
f.

Calculate the price elasticity of demand for chia seeds in Nofiberland following the imposition of the tariff.

[2]
g.

Calculate the change in consumer expenditure on imported chia seeds in Nofiberland resulting from the imposition of the tariff.

[2]
h.

Calculate the total welfare loss resulting from the imposition of the tariff on chia seeds.

[2]
i.

Outline one reason why the imposition of the tariff would lead to a welfare loss.

[2]
j.

Describe the impact of the rise in demand for quinoa on the terms of trade of Proteinland.

[1]
k.

Explain how the increase in world demand for quinoa would likely affect the current account balance of Proteinland.

[4]
l.

Markscheme

a.

Correct examples include:

OR examples of any of the above, such as:
Domestic residents purchasing foreign bonds / setting up a new company abroad or acquiring controlling percentage of shares of a foreign company / the central bank buying foreign currency / domestic residents buying foreign currency.

For any correct example award [1].

b.

539 − 1397 = −858

An answer of −$858 million or −858 is sufficient for [1].

c.

NX + Net Income + Net Current Transfers = −1865

(Net Income = 412 − 1075 = −663)

NX = 663 + 858 − 1865
Any valid working is sufficient for [1]. Valid working may constitute identifying the three figures (663, 858, 1865) regardless of their +/− signs.

NX =  $344 million

An answer of −$344 without any valid working is sufficient for [1].

OFR applies if current transfers have been calculated incorrectly in part (c).

d.

e.

f.

PED = 293535211515

Any valid working (correct %Δ Qd(X) or %Δ P(X), provided the formula is not inverted) is sufficient for [1]. However, simply stating the correct % (e.g. a denominator of 40 %) is not sufficient.

PED = 0.43 or −0.43 or -37

An answer of 0.43 or −0.43, without any valid working is sufficient for [1].

If a % sign is used in the final answer, a maximum of [1] may be awarded.

g.

21×22 − 15×31 = 462 − 465

Any valid working is sufficient for [1].

= −$3 million

An answer of −$3 million or 3 without any valid working is sufficient for [1].

h.

3×62+6×62

Any valid working is sufficient for [1]. If the response provides a correct calculation of one relevant triangle, then [1] may be awarded.

= $27 million

An answer of $27 million or 27 without any valid working is sufficient for [1].

i.

j.

PLEASE NOTE: This question part is not on the syllabus for first teaching 2020/first exams 2022.

 

For stating that the terms of trade have improved/risen/increased or that there has been a favourable movement [1].

k.

l.

Examiners report

Mostly correct.

a.

Many students did not know the items in the financial account of the balance of payments and instead stated a current account item. Others failed to show that FDI needed to be qualified as being “overseas” to be a debit item.

b.

There were several unit errors, including the omission of the negative sign.

c.

This was not a straightforward question but was generally done well, signifying a good understanding of the current account. Again, there were some unit errors.

d.

Lower-achieving responses stated rather than explained — stating that import tariffs could be used but not how this would impact the current account. A small number of candidates used two very similar methods e.g. two forms of trade protection — and were awarded L1 only.

e.

Many candidates suggested that tariffs and quotas were administrative barriers.

f.

Calculation of PED should be very straightforward for HL candidates. However, many were careless and used the incorrect denominator or mixed initial values with final values.

g.

This question was done poorly. Candidates overlooked “imported” and calculated the change in consumer spending on chia seeds.

h.

Most candidates were able to calculate the area of two triangles — although some, in error, assumed that they were congruent.

i.

Some candidates explained correctly that the loss in consumer surplus would outweigh the gains in producer surplus and tax revenue. However, it was pleasing to see the majority explaining that production would be switched from more efficient foreign producers to less efficient domestic producers.

j.

Well-answered.

k.

Although candidates generally grasped the issue, many found it difficult to explain clearly and earn full marks. A number of scripts argued that the PED would be significant (and so the current account could worsen) whereas this is not the case following an increase in demand.

l.

Syllabus sections

Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Economic growth » Causes of economic growth
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Aggregate demand (AD) » The components of AD
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The government budget » Types of government expenditures
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The government budget » Sources of government revenue
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Equity in the distribution of income » The meaning of equity in the distribution of income
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Equity in the distribution of income » Indicators of income equality/inequality
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Evaluation of supply-side policies » The strengths and weaknesses of supply-side policies
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Aggregate supply (AS) » The meaning of aggregate supply
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.1 The level of overall economic activity » Economic activity » The circular flow of income model
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Market-based supply-side policies » Labour market reforms
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Market-based supply-side policies » Policies to encourage competition
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Aggregate supply (AS) » Alternative views of aggregate supply
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Equilibrium » Short-run equilibrium
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.1 The level of overall economic activity » Economic activity » Measures of economic activity: gross domestic product (GDP), and gross national product (GNP) or gross national income (GNI)
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Interventionist supply-side policies » Investment in new technology
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Interventionist supply-side policies » Investment in human capital
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Equilibrium » Equilibrium in the monetarist/new classical model
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » The role of supply-side policies » Supply-side policies and the economy
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » The Keynesian multiplier » The nature of the Keynesian multiplier
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low unemployment » The meaning of unemployment
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.1 The level of overall economic activity » The business cycle » Short-term fluctuations and long-term trend
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.5 Monetary policy » The role of monetary policy » Monetary policy and inflation targeting
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.5 Monetary policy » The role of monetary policy » Monetary policy and short-term demand management
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low unemployment » Consequences of unemployment
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.5 Monetary policy » Interest rates » Interest rate determination and the role of a central bank
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low and stable rate of inflation » The meaning of inflation, disinflation and deflation
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low and stable rate of inflation » Consequences of inflation
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Economic growth » The meaning of economic growth
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Aggregate demand (AD) » The AD curve
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The role of fiscal policy » The impact of automatic stabilizers
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The role of fiscal policy » Fiscal policy and short-term demand management
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Aggregate demand (AD) » The determinants of AD or causes of shifts in the AD curve
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Market-based supply-side policies » Incentive-related policies
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Interventionist supply-side policies » Investment in infrastructure
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.5 Monetary policy » The role of monetary policy » Evaluation of monetary policy
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The role of fiscal policy » Fiscal policy and its impact on potential output
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The government budget » The budget outcome
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Equity in the distribution of income » Poverty
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Economic growth » Consequences of economic growth
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low and stable rate of inflation » Consequences of deflation
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low unemployment » Types and causes of unemployment
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Equilibrium » Equilibrium in the Keynesian model
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Aggregate supply (AS) » Shifting the aggregate supply curve over the long term
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Equity in the distribution of income » The role of taxation in promoting equity
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The role of fiscal policy » Evaluation of fiscal policy
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Interventionist supply-side policies » Industrial policies
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low and stable rate of inflation » Types and causes of inflation
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low and stable rate of inflation » Possible relationships between unemployment and inflation
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Equity in the distribution of income » Other measures to promote equity
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Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The government budget
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.1 The level of overall economic activity » The business cycle
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy » The role of fiscal policy
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.5 Monetary policy » Interest rates
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low and stable rate of inflation
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.5 Monetary policy » The role of monetary policy
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Low unemployment
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » The role of supply-side policies
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.1 The level of overall economic activity » Economic activity
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Interventionist supply-side policies
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Aggregate supply (AS)
First exams 2022 » Unit 4: The global economy » 4.2 Types of trade protection » 4.2.1 Tariffs
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Aggregate demand (AD)
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Market-based supply-side policies
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » Equilibrium
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Economic growth
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives » Equity in the distribution of income
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies » Evaluation of supply-side policies
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply » The Keynesian multiplier
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.2 Aggregate demand and aggregate supply
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.1 The level of overall economic activity
First exams 2022 » Unit 4: The global economy » 4.2 Types of trade protection
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.3 Macroeconomic objectives
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.4 Fiscal policy
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.5 Monetary policy
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics » 2.6 Supply-side policies
Last exams 2021 » Section 2: Macroeconomics
First exams 2022 » Unit 4: The global economy
First exams 2022
Last exams 2021

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