Trade Balance

Definition

The difference between the exports and imports of goods. Also called Net trade of goods.

Data source

Customs statistics

Source definition

UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Calculation method

Exports less imports

Interpretation

Indicates if a country enjoys a surplus or deficit in the trade of goods. If the figure is positive, the country is exporting more goods than it is importing. In the figure is negative, the country is importing more goods than it is exporting

Purpose

Indicates if a country enjoys a surplus or deficit in the trade of goods.

Types of disaggregation

By type of goods By partner country