balance of trade

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

Note: 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.

Balance Of Trade - BOT

The largest component of a country's balance of payments. It is the difference between exports and imports. Debit items include imports, foreign aid, domestic spending abroad and domestic investments abroad. Credit items include exports, foreign spending in the domestic economy and foreign investments in the domestic economy. A country has a trade deficit if it imports more than it exports the opposite scenario is a trade surplus.

Investopedia Commentary

The balance of trade is one of the most misunderstood indicators of the U.S. economy. For example, many people believe that a trade deficit is a bad thing. However, whether a trade deficit is bad thing or not is relative to the business cycle and economy. In a recession, countries like to export more, creating jobs and demand. In a strong expansion, countries like to import more, providing price competition, which limits inflation and, without increasing prices, provides goods beyond the economy's ability to meet supply. Thus, a trade deficit is not a good thing during a recession but may help during an expansion.

Related Links

What Is The Balance Of Payments?
Understanding The Current Account In The Balance Of Payments
Current Account Deficits
What Is The World Trade Organization?

See also: Balance Of Payments, Current Account, Foreign Currency Effect, Special Drawing Rights

Also spelled: BOT

balance of trade

A net figure calculated by subtracting a country's imports from its exports during a specific period. If a country sells more goods and services than it purchases, its balance of trade is said to be positive, that is, exports exceed imports. Such a balance is generally considered to be favorable. Conversely, a negative balance is said to be unfavorable. A country's balance-of-trade position has great impact on its economic activity and on the profits of companies operating within it. See also trade deficit, trade surplus.