countertrade

American  

[koun-ter-treyd] / ˈkaʊn tərˌtreɪd /

noun

1. trade, especially international trade, carried on for payment wholly or partially in goods instead of cash or credit.

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countertrade British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌtreɪd /

noun

1. international trade in which payment is made in goods rather than currency

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verb

1. to buy or sell goods by countertrade

   countertrading weapons for coffee beans

Other Word Forms

• countertrader noun

Etymology

Origin of countertrade

First recorded in 1915–20; counter- + trade

Example Sentences

Despite its difficulties, countertrade appeals to a growing number of Western firms.

From Time Magazine Archive

Almost a fifth of General Electric's $4 billion in exports last year were under countertrade contracts.

From Time Magazine Archive

In just eight years, countertrade in all its forms has grown from an estimated 2% of world commerce to roughly 33%, according to Business Trend Analysts, a New York consulting firm.

From Time Magazine Archive

Although some officials in Washington oppose countertrade on the grounds that it undermines free trade, the Government offers advice to U.S. firms on how to structure countertrade agreements.

From Time Magazine Archive

Complains Pompiliu Verzariu, a senior trade counselor with the Commerce Department: "U.S. exporters are willing to look at any options, even costly, inefficient op tions like countertrade, to do business."

From Time Magazine Archive