Arrows up or down: In the 1990s, the world price of wool __________ and the quantity of wool supplied __________ (Related to Application 2)

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Application 2 LAW OF SUPPLY AND WOOLYMPICS APPLYING THE CONCEPTS #2: What is the law of supply? In the 1990s, the world price of wool decreased by about 30 per- cent, and prices have remained relatively low since then. Based on the law of supply, we would expect the quantity of wool supplied from New Zealand and other exporters to decrease, and that's what happened. Land formerly used to grow grass for wool-producing sheep has been converted into other uses, including dairy products, forestry, and the domestication of deer. There have been several attempts to revive the wool indus- try by boosting the demand for wool and thus increasing its price. The United Nations General Assembly declared 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibres, with the objective "to raise awareness and stimulate demand for natural fibres." In 2012, the Federated Farmers of New Zealand proposed that sheep shearing be added to the Commonwealth Games and Olympics as a demonstration sport. The favorites for Olympic titles are the current world record holders Ivan Scott (744 sheep in 24 hours) and Kerry-Jo Te Huia (507 sheep in 24 hours). Of course, it's not obvious that Olympic shearing would increase the demand for wool, and then there is the problem of what to do with all the sheared wool. Speed knitting? Related to Exercises 2.6 and 2.10. SOURCES: (1) "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me," National Public Radio, January 21, 2012. (2) United Nations, www.naturalfibres2009.org.