How does international trade enhance economies of scale?

International trade enhances economies of scale primarily by enabling mass production for larger markets. When companies have access to international markets, they can produce goods in larger quantities to meet the demands of a broader customer base. This increase in production often leads to lower costs per unit because fixed costs are spread over a greater number of products, optimizing resource utilization and enhancing operational efficiency.

As businesses expand their output to serve global consumers, they can invest in more advanced production technologies and processes, further driving down costs. This scaling effect not only increases competitiveness in international markets but also fosters innovation as companies seek to differentiate their products for diverse global consumers. The ability to produce on this larger scale, facilitated by international trade, ultimately leads to more efficient production, which is a fundamental characteristic of economies of scale.