Sectoral Trends and Shocks in Australia's Economic Growth

Date

2017

Authors

Anderson, Kym

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which sectoral trends and fluctuations in the Australian economy can be understood using international trade theory and knowledge of key policy developments. It suggests they are consistent with theory, but it also reveals several features that make Australia’s economy unusual. The most striking are the facts that (i) the agricultural sector’s share of GDP remained fairly constant rather than falling during 1860–1960 and even during the latest mining boom; and (ii) the farm sector continued to enjoy a strong comparative advantage despite periodic spurts of growth in mining exports.

Description

Keywords

agricultural development, manufacturing protection, mining boom, structural transformation, trade cost

Citation

Source

Australian Economic History Review

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2099-12-31