Useful Notes on Product Life-Cycle Theory of International Trade
The product life-cycle theory was developed by Raymond Vernon in the mid-1960s. The theory presents an insightful analysis as to why in the twentieth century a large number of new products in the world were developed by the US firms and sold first in the US market.Vernon pointed out that many manufactured foods, like automobiles, televisions, instant cameras, photocopiers, personal computers, semi-conductor chips, etc. go through a continuum or cycle that consists of introduction, growth, maturity, and decline stages. The location of production will shift to serve markets according to the stage of cycle a product is therein. Stage 1: Introduction: Most innovations take place where there is a nearby observed need and market for them. A Japanese company will develop a new product for Japanese market and a US…