A-Level Economics Edexcel A: Case Study 8

Can a weaker pound help UK exporters compete against US tariffs, or would it create more problems for British businesses?

This Edexcel A-Level Economics A (9EC0) case study explores the impact of US import tariffs on UK manufacturers, using real export data from the Office for National Statistics.

Students will investigate how tariffs affect international trade, why export competitiveness matters and whether a depreciation of the pound could help UK businesses remain competitive in overseas markets.

What’s included:

• A one-page case study with a short, accessible extract and real UK export data.
• Three original Edexcel-style questions worth 5, 8 and 12 marks (25 marks in total).
• A full mark scheme showing the economic points students could make.
• Clear assessment objective allocations and level descriptors for the extended response.

Specification coverage:

• 4.1.6 Restrictions on Free Trade
• 4.1.8 Exchange Rates
• 4.1.9 International Competitiveness

The questions give students practice explaining the impact of tariffs on exports, examining their effects on manufacturers and evaluating whether exchange rate depreciation can protect UK businesses.

This resource works well for classroom activities, homework, timed exam practice or independent revision. It’s a useful way to apply international economics to a real trade policy issue while developing stronger analysis and evaluation skills.

Suitable for Edexcel A-Level Economics A students preparing for the 2027 exams.

Part of our 10-case-study Edexcel Economics A bundle, providing focused exam practice across the specification.