external trade

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "external trade" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to trade activities that occur between countries or regions, typically involving the exchange of goods and services across international borders. Example: "The government is implementing new policies to boost external trade and strengthen economic relations with neighboring countries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

External trade also developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

External trade increased from $7.3bn to $205bn.

The Guardian

Amathus became active politically, especially in external trade relations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the Norman Conquest (1066) the port's external trade increased.

Encyclopedia Britannica

China´s external trade is steadily becoming more balanced.

The Economist

External trade accounts for 70% of Taiwan's economic growth.

The Economist

"In the near term, we expect the deficit on the UK's external trade balance to widen".

The Guardian - Money

The EU is Canada's second trading partner, representing around 10% of its external trade.

The Guardian

Over the past decade intra-EU trade has grown more slowly than the block's external trade.

The Economist

It is easy to exaggerate the degree to which China's economy is dependent upon external trade.

The Economist

The European Commission estimates that Canada accounts for about 1.8 percent of its external trade.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a country's economic performance, use "external trade" to specifically highlight its interactions with other economies. For instance, "The country's economic growth is heavily reliant on its external trade agreements."

Common error

Avoid using "external trade" when you mean trade within a country's borders. "External trade" refers specifically to international transactions, while internal trade concerns domestic exchanges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "external trade" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "external trade" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe international commerce. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. When writing about trade, ensure you distinguish it from domestic or internal trade. Use it to discuss trade agreements, economic impacts, and policy. Related phrases include "international commerce" and "foreign trade". Understanding its proper use will enhance the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

international commerce

This alternative highlights the global aspect of trade, emphasizing the exchange between nations.

foreign commerce

This term focuses on the trade activities involving a country and other nations.

overseas commerce

This highlights the geographic aspect, specifically trade that crosses oceans or seas.

global trade

This term refers to the worldwide aspect of trading, emphasizing the interconnectedness of markets.

international transactions

This alternative focuses on the financial exchanges that occur across borders.

foreign exchange

This emphasizes the exchange of currencies involved in international trade.

international business

This phrase broadens the scope to include all business activities that cross national borders.

export-import trade

This specifically refers to the combined activities of exporting and importing goods.

cross-border trade

This emphasizes the aspect of trade crossing national borders.

international market

This alternative refers to the global marketplace where international trade occurs.

FAQs

What is the difference between "external trade" and "foreign trade"?

"External trade" and "foreign trade" are often used interchangeably to describe trade between countries. Both terms refer to the exchange of goods and services across international borders.

How does "external trade" impact a country's economy?

"External trade" significantly influences a country's economy by affecting its GDP, employment rates, and balance of payments. Increased exports can boost economic growth, while high imports may lead to trade deficits.

What are some factors that affect a country's "external trade"?

Factors affecting a country's "external trade" include exchange rates, trade policies, tariffs, global economic conditions, and the competitiveness of its industries.

What is the role of trade agreements in promoting "external trade"?

Trade agreements reduce barriers such as tariffs and quotas, promoting "external trade" by making it easier and more cost-effective for countries to exchange goods and services.