trade surplus

[ treyd sur-pluhs, -pluhs ]

noun

, Economics.

1. a positive balance of trade, or the amount by which the value of a country’s exports exceeds that of its imports. Compare trade deficit ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of trade surplus¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

China also has a huge overall trade surplus with Europe.

From New York Times

China’s trade surplus, the difference between what it earns selling goods to the world and what it spends on imports, expanded in May to $82.6 billion.

From New York Times

China’s trade surplus has tended to be fairly low in May and much higher later in the year, when its exporters supply goods for the Christmas season.

From New York Times

Strong exports also saw China’s trade surplus widen to $82.62 billion, up from April’s $72.35 billion.

From Seattle Times

Its trade surplus in these goods is equal to a tenth of the entire Chinese economy.

From New York Times