International trade game simulation
Publication Type
Case
Publication Date
3-2026
Abstract
Four players are required for this simulation. Each will represent one of the four fictional countries involved – Amerikas, Brazilia, Chinland, and Sadi Arabica. There are four resources – consumer products, energy, food, and medical supplies – common to the nations. Each country has a cost advantage in producing one of the resources. Amerikas’ cost advantage is for medical supplies, while that for Brazilia is food. Chinland has a cost advantage for producing consumer products, whereas Sadi Arabica’s is for energy production. The aim of every player is to maximise his country’s utility, which is determined by the consumption levels of the four resources. The countries could choose to either produce the resources at cost or if not, trade with the others. The nation which accumulates the highest utility score at the end will be the victor.
This case is intended for use in an introductory economics course. Students should be able to achieve the following learning objectives: appreciate the meaning of the economic concepts of comparative advantage, opportunity cost, and specialisation when put to practice in global trading; apply these concepts when making decisions on how much to produce of each resource, and how much of the resource to trade away at what price; and strategise accordingly when encountering a shock event.
Keyword(s)
competitive strategy, international trade, decision making and problem solving, managing uncertainty, competitive advantage
Discipline
International Economics
Area of Excellence
Sustainability
Research Areas
Integrative Research Areas
Data Source
Generalised Experience
Industry
Public Administration
Geographic Coverage
N/A
Temporal Coverage
2026
Education Level
Executive Education; Postgraduate; Undergraduate
Publisher
Singapore Management University
Case ID
SMU-26-0002
Additional URL
https://ccx-shop.smu.edu.sg/products/international-trade-game-simulation?variant=44213984002090
Comments
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