foreign trade

USAGE SUMMARY

"foreign trade" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to trade conducted between different countries. For example, "The president proposed reforms to facilitate foreign trade."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Foreign trade suffered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Foreign trade is ignored).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Foreign trade is down one-third.

The Economist

Little has been said about foreign trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Foreign trade is a fine thing.

The Economist

Public support for foreign trade is high.

The Economist

| Spanish Opposition to Foreign Trade.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

President, National Foreign Trade Council.

Harvard University

Reports of Subcommittee 4 - Foreign Trade Committee.

Cornell University

—John R. Kelly for Bureau of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C.

Los Angeles Times

The National Foreign Trade Council lobbied on U.S.-Libya relations.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "foreign trade", be specific about the countries or regions involved to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "foreign trade" when you are referring to trade within a single country. "Foreign trade" specifically refers to trade between different countries, while domestic trade refers to trade within a country's borders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foreign trade" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of economic activity involving the exchange of goods or services across international borders. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

26%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foreign trade" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to the exchange of goods and services between countries. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and academic publications. While the phrase is generally neutral to professional, it is important to differentiate it from domestic trade and to be specific about the countries involved. Alternative phrases such as "international commerce" or "global trade" can be used for variety, though "foreign trade" remains a clear and widely understood term in economic discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

international commerce

Focuses on the commercial aspect of trade between nations.

overseas commerce

Highlights the geographical aspect of trading with other countries.

export-import business

Emphasizes the two-way nature of trade involving both exports and imports.

global trade

Broadens the scope to include all trade activities worldwide.

international business

Encompasses a wider range of business activities beyond just the exchange of goods.

cross-border trade

Highlights the act of trading across national boundaries.

external commerce

Uses a less common term for trade involving other nations.

world trade

Similar to global trade but may imply a more structured system.

export sector

Concentrates specifically on the exporting side of foreign trade.

import-export trade

Reverses the order of export and import, providing a similar meaning.

FAQs

How is "foreign trade" different from "domestic trade"?

"Foreign trade" refers to the exchange of goods or services between countries, while domestic trade occurs within the borders of a single country.

What are some synonyms for "foreign trade"?

You can use terms like "international commerce", "overseas commerce", or "global trade" as alternatives to "foreign trade".

Why is "foreign trade" important for a country's economy?

"Foreign trade" allows countries to access goods and services that may not be available domestically, promotes competition, and can drive economic growth by expanding markets for domestic producers.

What factors can affect a country's "foreign trade" balance?

Exchange rates, government policies, tariffs, and the overall economic health of trading partners can all significantly impact a country's "foreign trade" balance.