trade surplus

American  

[treyd sur-pluhs, -pluhs] / ˈtreɪd ˌsɜr plʌs, -pləs /

noun

Economics.

1. a positive balance of trade, or the amount by which the value of a country’s exports exceeds that of its imports.

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Etymology

Origin of trade surplus

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Imports likely increased 14%, resulting in a trade surplus of 25.9 billion ringgit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Imports rose 38.3% in March, leaving a trade surplus of $21.27 billion, Friday’s data showed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Despite his tariffs, Japan still maintains a large bilateral trade surplus, especially in the automobile sector.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Rosenberg regards China’s as a victor in the trade war with America so far, by virtue of the $1.2 trillion trade surplus it recorded in 2025.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 17, 2026

A key strength in the economy is the   substantial trade surplus.

From The 2003 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency