Trade
Trade Balance
Definition
The difference between a country's exports and imports. A surplus means exports exceed imports; a deficit means the opposite.
Explanation
Germany, China, and Japan typically run large trade surpluses, while the US and UK run deficits. A trade surplus isn't inherently "good" — it can reflect weak domestic demand. A trade deficit isn't inherently "bad" — it can reflect strong consumer spending and investment. The trade balance is a major component of the current account, which includes all international transactions.
See Current Data
Explore trade balance data for all 218 countries with interactive charts and historical trends.
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