balance of trade

[bal-uhns uhv treyd]

noun

Economics.

1. the difference between the values of the exports and imports of a country, said to be favorable when exports are greater, and unfavorable when imports are greater.

balance of trade

noun

1. Also called: visible balance. economics the difference in value between total exports and total imports of goods Compare invisible balance

balance of trade

1. That part of the balance of payments relating to goods only (as opposed to services, monetary movements, official reserve transactions, etc.).

A nation whose imports are worth more than its exports is said to have an unfavorable balance of trade, or to be running a trade deficit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of balance of trade¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

India has already slashed tariffs on some US goods, with further cuts expected as the balance of trade is still stacked heavily in favour of Delhi, which enjoys a $45bn trade surplus.

From BBC

Only 1% of economists said they thought the Trump move would improve America’s balance of trade.

From Los Angeles Times

For Trump, the measure in question is balance of trade.

From Los Angeles Times

But the balance of trade, in most cases, favours China massively.

From BBC

It has been under pressure all year from Russia's shrinking balance of trade, as export revenues fall and imports rebound, dropping around 28% year-to-date from levels near 70 to the dollar.

From Reuters

Related Words

• balance of payments 
• trade deficit