CNBC Power Lunch provides an overview of the major differences between NAFTA and the USMCA agreement, particular when it comes to automobiles, access to Canadian dairy markets, and changes in product markets from technological advances.
Rick and Morty — Bartering for Bread
The clip shows a good example of the double coincidence of wants and how a barter system is difficult to maintain. The seller of bread needs somebody to take care of his kids and the guy who can take care of his kids wants extra bread. They need what the other has and have what the other wants. The trouble is determining how much work is appropriate to get a loaf of bread and then managing the system to make sure everyone gets paid.
Thanks to Mathew Abraham for the suggestion
Boss Baby — Gains from Trade
Tim doesn’t like green beans, but his baby brother sure loves them. Whenever the parents leave the kitchen, the boys realize there’s an opportunity for trade. The Boss Baby knows he needs a favor in exchange for eating his brother’s beans because he isn’t just giving away his services for free.
Thanks to Catherine Madrid for the reference!
Milton Friedman — Free Trade and the Steel Industry
Dr. Friedman discusses the benefits of free trade and the inconsistencies of placing tariffs and quotas on the steel industry in order to increase domestic production. He notes (around the 2:00 minute mark) that allowing for free trade would reduce employment in one sector of the economy, but it would increase employment in other sectors.
Thanks to Jacob Clifford for the suggestion!
Jimmy Kimmel Live — 2nd Grader Explains Trade Deficits
With the recent stretch of tariffs being imposed on other countries (and other countries on us), Jimmy Kimmel uses some of his showtime to interview 2nd graders about the trade deficits. The basis of the segment comes from Trump’s misguided tweet regarding trade deficits and why a trade war won’t hurt the US:
Shiloh, our 2nd grader, explains the pros and cons of international trade, including the potential for lost jobs in the US and unsafe working conditions abroad. She also highlights the pros of trade by noting countries are able to buy more things, create jobs in exporting industries, and bring countries together.
Thanks to Abdullah Al-Bahrani for the post!
The Easter Bunny is Comin’ To Town — Specialization
The Easter Bunny Is Comin’ to Town (1977) is a classic kids’ claymation film. In this clip, Sunny talks about how trade is necessary for Kidtown!
Thanks to James Tierney for the clip and description!
Saturday Night Live — Bartering
When introducing money we usually start with a historical lesson on money. Barter economics is always discussed. Here is a funny news item that talks about a man who tried to barter but got arrested. You can also use it to talk about unit of account because they talk about bail being set at 4 alligators.
Thanks to James Tierney for the clip and description.
TED — How Containerization Shaped the Modern World
Sir Harold Evans, the author of They Made America, describes how the shipping container revolutions international trade and made it easier to ship products around the world. This TED Talk could be used when discussing comparative advantage and trade or even when thinking about factors that have led to the growth of countries.
The Little Rascals — Two Pickles
You don’t like pickles, but your friend does? That works out well for these two as Buckwheat buys Porky’s pickle from him for 2 cents. What a quick example for a mutually beneficial transactions.