key trading partner

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "key trading partner" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a significant or important business partner in trade or commerce. Example: "Our company has established a strong relationship with our key trading partner, which has greatly enhanced our market presence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

That leaves lingering fears over the prospects for exports to our key trading partner, the eurozone.

The Guardian - Business

Analysts see little chance of that pattern changing in coming months as continued troubles among the UK's key trading partner, the eurozone, and a slowdown in China weigh on exports.

The Guardian - Business

These include a lack of domestic economic demand, the weakness of vital export markets including the euro zone, and the appreciation of the euro against the currency of Ireland's neighbor and key trading partner, Britain.

The New York Times

"Unfortunately, many of the UK's major banks are heavily invested in Ireland, since it is a key trading partner," says Chris Nicholls, the managing partner at Investment-advice-online.com.com

Independent

China may aim for an earlier greenhouse gas emissions peak before its 2030 deadline, putting a greater onus on Australia to work with its key trading partner on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels, says a leading Chinese analyst.

The Guardian

The EU will clearly remain a key trading partner for the UK, but membership of the single market is less important than it was at the turn of the millennium.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Or even between "key trading partners".

Independent

But China is very exposed to any downturn among its key trading partners.

Independent

That's getting key trading partners into the UK to start their business.

The Guardian

Individual countries within Asia, notably Thailand and Singapore, are also busy negotiating their own bilateral deals with key trading partners.

The Economist

The term refers to the five permanent member states of the UN security council, plus Germany, which is one of Iran's key trading partners.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a nation's "key trading partner", consider specifying the industry or product involved for clarity. For example, 'China is Germany's key trading partner for automotive exports'.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "key trading partner" is solely defined by volume. Consider strategic importance, historical ties, and future growth potential as well.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key trading partner" functions as a noun phrase, where 'key' modifies 'trading partner'. Ludwig examples confirm it identifies an entity vital for trade relations. According to Ludwig AI, it’s considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "key trading partner" is a grammatically correct term used to describe an entity of significant importance in another's trade relations. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While "key trading partner" is not extremely frequent, analysis reveals its common usage in news and media, as well as in scientific contexts. Alternatives include "major trade ally" or "primary commercial associate". When using "key trading partner", avoid oversimplifying the trade relationship, considering also strategic importance, historical ties and future growth potential and specifying industry and products involved for added clarity. Top authoritative sources using the expression are The Guardian, The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major trade ally

Emphasizes the alliance aspect in trading relationships.

primary commercial associate

Highlights the commercial aspect with formal wording.

leading trade counterpart

Focuses on the reciprocity of trade.

principal business collaborator

Highlights business aspect with a more corporate tone.

significant economic partner

Uses "economic" instead of "trade" to broaden the context.

chief import-export associate

Specifies the nature of trade relationship.

top mercantile affiliate

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the mercantile aspect.

vital trade connection

Replaces "partner" with "connection" to highlight linkage.

essential trade associate

Uses "essential" to convey importance.

strategic commercial ally

Adds the aspect of strategic importance.

FAQs

How to use "key trading partner" in a sentence?

You can use "key trading partner" to describe a country or entity that is very important for another's trade. For example, "The EU will clearly remain a "key trading partner" for the UK after Brexit".

What can I say instead of "key trading partner"?

You can use alternatives like "major trade ally", "primary commercial associate", or "significant economic partner" depending on the context.

What makes a country a "key trading partner"?

A country is a "key trading partner" based on the volume of trade, strategic importance, and economic ties it shares with another country. Factors like historical relationships and potential for future growth also play a role.

Which is correct, "key trading partner" or "major trading partner"?

Both "key trading partner" and "major trading partner" are correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, with "key" suggesting a more strategic or essential relationship.