There is a surplus when exports exceed imports. Some measures also include services, so their coverage must be stated.
Trade balance
In a nutshell
The trade balance compares the value of exports and imports, usually of goods, over a period.
On this page
Explained simply
A practical example
Hypothetical example: a country exports CFA 800 billion in goods and imports CFA 1,000 billion, giving a trade deficit of CFA 200 billion.
Further reading
Source: Insee — Trade balance.
Try it yourself
Compare two situations
Choose a situation to see its outcome, then test your understanding.
What this means
The balance is −200: a trade deficit of 200 in the same unit.
Educational scenarios. Amounts and rates are fictional, not current market conditions.