What is a trade surplus? Definition and meaning

A trade surplus occurs when the value of exported goods and services is higher than imports. This means that there is a net inflow of domestic currency from foreign markets. It is a positive measurement of a country’s balance of trade. It is the opposite of a trade deficit – when the value of imports exceeds exports.

Exports are products and services that are made in your home country and sold to foreign consumers, while imports are those that are bought by your domestic consumers from foreign sellers. Imports and exports form part of international trade.

When a country has a trade surplus it has more control of its currency and reduces the risk of another country selling it off – which would undermine the value of the currency.

A trade surplus is generally thought to be a good indicator of the economic health of a nation – as it can make it cheaper to purchase imports and prevent purchases from becoming more expensive.

Germany's trade surplus 2023 - image
Image created by Market Business News.

The economic impact of a trade surplus

Many economists believe that a positive balance of trade can help generate employment and increase the rate of GDP growth. However, nearly an equal number insist that the balance of trade of a nation has a negligible effect on economic expansion.

It is widely believed that exports drive increases to a nation’s GDP that are not reflected within the export products’ prices, i.e. the contributions of trade surpluses to GDP are generally understated.

A trade surplus is also known as a favorable balance of trade.

A list of benefits of trade surpluses.
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Factors that influence the balance of trade

  • The cost of production in the exporting economy compared to those in the importing economy.
  • The availability and cost of intermediate goods, raw materials and other inputs.
  • Changes in exchange rate.
  • Restrictions on trade and taxes.
  • Barriers such as health or safety standards.
  • The amount of adequate foreign exchange available to pay for imports.
  • The prices of goods manufactured at home.

Savings rates and trade surpluses/deficits

Countries such as Germany and Japan, which have savings surpluses, typically post trade surpluses every year. China, a rapidly-growing economy, has tended to run trade surpluses.

Nations with higher savings rates generally post trade surpluses.

The US and UK, however, where savings rates are lower, tend to run high trade deficits. This makes sense – if people save less, they spend more, often beyond the production capacity of their nation (so imports make up the difference).

Four flags and comments of economic behaviors in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan.
Image created by Market Business News.

British and American politicians often comment on Germany’s trade surplus, saying the country’s people should spend more, rather than relying on foreigners to pick up the slack.

The European Union sometimes says it is investigating whether Germany’s trade surplus is harming the European Union. However, not much is heard after such announcements.

Video – What is a Trade Surplus?

This video, from our sister YouTube Channel – Marketing Business Network – explains what a “Trade Surplus” is using easy-to-understand language and examples: