Fig. 4.1 shows a map of two countries, country X and country Y, and their two ports. Ferries operate between the two ports. [Figure 4.1] Use Fig. 4.1 to help you answer the following questions.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] (a) Speed/efficient/quick turnaround of vehicles/cargoes
2. [1] (a) Ease of loading/unloading
3. [1] (a) Can carry bulky goods/large quantities/heavy goods
4. [1] (a) Can carry a variety of cargo
5. [1] (a) Less handling / protects against theft / damage
6. [1] (a) Cheap/fewer costs
7. [2] (b) 1 mark for service and 1 mark for linked description
8. [1] (b) Clear waterways/marked channels (1) providing safe access
9. [1] (b) Tugs/pilots (1) to move ships
10. [1] (b) Wharves/cranes (1) to load/unload cargo
11. [1] (b) Container terminals (1) to handle containers coming into port
12. [1] (b) Loading/unloading containers (1) to be taken off / put on ship
13. [1] (b) Warehousing (1) for storage / safekeeping
14. [1] (b) Bonded warehouses (1) controlled by customs / storage of dutiable goods
15. [1] (b) Repair facilities (1) with wet/dry docks
16. [1] (b) Fuel (1) to service vessels
17. [1] (b) Transport infrastructure (1) for connections to road/rail links
18. [1] (b) Parking area (1) for cars/trucks
19. [1] (b) Security (1) e.g. dock police/fire service
20. [1] (b) Customs (1) to collect duties / to prevent smuggling
21. [1] (c)(i) A limit on the number of goods that are allowed to be imported into a country or exported out of a country / limit on imports / limit on exports
22. [3] (c)(ii) Up to 3 marks for justified reasoning of yes and/or no responses.
23. [1] (c)(ii) Yes - to prevent dumping of goods
24. [1] (c)(ii) selling goods below cost in home market
25. [1] (c)(ii) creating unfair competition
26. [1] (c)(ii) To protect against unemployment
27. [1] (c)(ii) from cheap imports
28. [1] (c)(ii) To protect infant industries / local businesses
29. [1] (c)(ii) which are not yet established
30. [1] (c)(ii) so that they can grow / compete in the world market
31. [1] (c)(ii) To gain revenue from tariffs
32. [1] (c)(ii) which can be spent on infrastructure
33. [1] (c)(ii) e.g. new roads/healthcare
34. [1] (c)(ii) Can use embargoes
35. [1] (c)(ii) to prevent the entry of harmful/dangerous/demerit goods
36. [1] (c)(ii) such as guns
37. [1] (c)(ii) Trade restrictions have a favourable effect on the balance of payments of the importing country
38. [1] (c)(ii) they reduce imports and increase the export surplus
39. [1] (c)(ii) so can improve a deficit in the balance of payments
40. [1] (c)(ii) putting a country in a stronger financial position better economic growth
41. [1] (c)(ii) No – Some countries without resources are unable to produce goods and services
42. [1] (c)(ii) e.g. due to climate / lack of raw materials
43. [1] (c)(ii) so have to depend entirely on imports
44. [1] (c)(ii) International trade provides a wider variety of goods/services
45. [1] (c)(ii) leading to more choice for consumers
46. [1] (c)(ii) thereby improving their standard of living
47. [1] (c)(ii) Helps to develop the economy
48. [1] (c)(ii) with more jobs
49. [1] (c)(ii) less unemployed
50. [1] (c)(ii) May lead to retaliation
51. [1] (c)(ii) bad relations
52. [1] (c)(ii) by a country imposing taxes on another country's exports
53. [6] (d) Up to 2 marks for describing benefits to Country Y of joining a trading bloc
54. [6] (d) Up to a further 2 marks for analysing benefits to Country Y of joining a trading bloc
55. [6] (d) Up to a final 2 marks for evaluating benefits to Country Y of joining a trading bloc
56. [6] (d) A trade bloc is a group of countries joined together through a trade agreement.
57. [6] (d) Increased trade / economic growth with access to larger markets
58. [6] (d) Wider choice / better quality of goods for consumers by obtaining goods not locally available / goods move freely between member countries
59. [6] (d) No tariffs so there is free trade
60. [6] (d) Competitive/cheaper prices as Country Y can take advantage of cheaper raw materials
61. [6] (d) Economies of scale with mass production / free movement of goods
62. [6] (d) More jobs with free movement of labour / increased GDP / opportunity to set up factories in other member countries
63. [6] (d) Standardisation of measures/documents (possibly currency) making it easier to sell to other countries
64. [6] (d) Travel costs may be reduced with less bureaucracy / same currency
65. [6] (d) Financial aid e.g. for infrastructure projects / areas of poverty
66. [6] (d) Improves political relationships leading to peace between nations
67. [6] (d) Foreign investment may increase standard of living / level of employment
68. [6] (d) Evaluation: Trading blocs have many advantages in enabling free trade between geographically close countries. This can lead to lower prices, increased export potential, higher growth, economies of scale and greater competition. However, these advantages can be outweighed by losing some political sovereignty. Also, the move to free trade tends to create winners and losers, with some domestic industries losing out to lower-cost imports. Country Y will have to decide if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.