Exports minus imports over a period
The trade balance subtracts imports from exports over a period: positive is a surplus, negative a deficit. Paying for imports means buying foreign currency, so a run of deficits tends to strengthen selling of the home currency. In countries that import most of their energy, oil and gas prices weigh heavily on the figure.
Exports of $8 trillion against imports of 9 trillion is a 1 trillion deficit.
For learning, not investment advice. Decisions are your own.
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