balance of trade

American  

[bal-uhns uhv treyd] / ˈbæl əns əv ˈtreɪd /

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.

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balance of trade British  

noun

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

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balance of trade Cultural  

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

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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.

Etymology

Origin of balance of trade

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

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

From January to May, the positive balance of trade soared by 39.1% compared to the same period last year, reaching $35.3 billion.

From Reuters

But Dar’s policies have a lot of critics, who say he ensured the rupee remained over-valued and hurt the balance of trade.

From Reuters

"Factors such as a strong balance of trade and the tax period are currently working in favour of the rouble," said Otkritie Research.

From Reuters

Related Words

• balance of payments
• trade deficit