International Trade Terms
Introduction
International Trade is the exchange of goods and services between nations and their citizens. This type of trade is essential to the smooth functioning of economies. It allows countries to provide their citizens with the goods and services they need and that are not produced at home, while also allowing them to make use of their own domestic resources and exchange these resources for those from other nations. As such, it is an important part of both economic and political relations between countries.
However, international trade can be complex and subject to a variety of rules, regulations, and terminology. Here, we provide an overview of some of the most common terms associated with international trade that all parties involved in such trade should be familiar with.
Export
The sale of goods and services from one nation to another is known as an “export”. This term is most commonly used for goods, but can be used for services as well. The party who is selling the goods is known as the “exporter”, while the party buying the goods is known as the “importer”. The money paid by the importer to the exporter is known as the “export price”.
Free Trade
Free Trade is an agreement between two or more nations or countries in which trade barriers are removed or reduced. It allows goods and services to be exchanged between countries without any restrictions or tariffs imposed by the government. This is typically done to promote economic efficiency and an increase in competition between nations.
Tariffs
A tariff is a tax imposed by a government on imported goods and services. This tax is known as a “protective tariff”, as it is intended to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Tariffs can be fixed or variable, depending on the conditions of the agreement between the two parties.
Trade Balance
The trade balance is the difference between a nation’s exports and imports. If the exports of a country are greater than its imports, then the country has a “positive trade balance”, meaning that it is making a profit from its exports. Conversely, if the imports of a country are greater than its exports, then that country has a “negative trade balance”, meaning that it is losing money from its imports.
Trade Agreement
A trade agreement is an agreement between two or more nations or countries in which they agree to remove or reduce trade barriers between them. These agreements typically involve removing or reducing tariffs, as well as allowing free trade between countries in certain areas or on certain goods and services.
Exchange Rate
The exchange rate is the rate at which one country’s currency is exchanged for another’s. This rate is often determined by the demand and supply of the two currencies, as well as by the economic status of both countries. It is an important factor in international trade, as it affects the price of goods, services, and investment from one country to another.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many terms associated with international trade. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone involved in such trade, whether they are an exporter, importer, or simply an interested observer. It is important to remember that international trade is a complex and ever-changing area, and that new terms and ways of doing business can emerge at any time. For this reason, it is important for all parties involved to stay abreast of changes in the world of international trade.