Asymmetric Free Trade Agreements

Abstract

This paper studies endogenous coalition formation among two North countries and two South countries. A North country is characterized by a larger market size and a lower unit cost of production compared to a South country. We identify the conditions under which two asymmetric free trade agreements (FTAs), each formed between a North country and a South country, can emerge as equilibrium. Such equilibria, previously not documented in the literature, may have practical implications.

Keywords: free trade agreement, coalition formation game, tariff game, strong Nash equilibrium