Which of the following choices describe the likely effects of a depreciation of the U.S. dollar on production costs and aggregate supply (AS)?

Multiple select question.

A higher dollar price of imported resources

A shift of the AS curve rightward

U.S. firms obtaining less foreign currency with each dollar

A leftward shift of the AS curve

An increase in per-unit production costs from using imported resources

An increase in imported resources

A lower dollar price of imported resources

A decrease in imported resources

1 answer

A depreciation of the U.S. dollar typically influences production costs and aggregate supply in several ways. Here are the likely effects:

  1. A higher dollar price of imported resources: True. When the dollar depreciates, it takes more dollars to purchase the same quantity of foreign goods and resources, leading to higher costs for imported materials.

  2. A shift of the AS curve rightward: False. A depreciation usually raises production costs (particularly when resources are imported), which tends to shift the AS curve leftward rather than rightward.

  3. U.S. firms obtaining less foreign currency with each dollar: True. A weaker dollar means that U.S. firms will receive less foreign currency for their exports as the dollar value decreases compared to other currencies.

  4. A leftward shift of the AS curve: True. Increased production costs from more expensive imported resources typically shift the aggregate supply curve leftward, as firms may produce less due to higher costs.

  5. An increase in per-unit production costs from using imported resources: True. As the price of imported resources rises due to dollar depreciation, the per-unit production costs for U.S. firms will also increase.

  6. An increase in imported resources: False. With a depreciation of the dollar, imported resources become more expensive, which may lead to a decrease in the quantity of imported resources used.

  7. A lower dollar price of imported resources: False. A weaker dollar raises the dollar price of imported resources, not lowers it.

  8. A decrease in imported resources: True. Higher costs associated with importing resources can lead to a decrease in the quantity of such resources imported.

In summary, the correct choices are:

  • A higher dollar price of imported resources
  • U.S. firms obtaining less foreign currency with each dollar
  • A leftward shift of the AS curve
  • An increase in per-unit production costs from using imported resources
  • A decrease in imported resources