International trade is defined as an exchange of goods, services and capital across international territories or borders. For the majority of countries, international trade represents a huge share of the GDP, or gross domestic product. Without it, countries would have to rely entirely on the resources present and services or goods produced inside their own territory.
As a result of international trade, there has been significant growth in globalization over the last few decades. This is partly due to a range of factors:
International trade is therefore of vital importance to a continual growth in globalization. It presents consumers with an opportunity to access products and services not available in their own countries and gives businesses greater opportunities to market their products. As a result of this, competition increases and prices are more competitive, an advantage for consumers.
It is also important in a technological aspect, as both increased competition and the greater distances to be covered in the transport of goods lead to an increase in development and innovation of new, more advanced or altogether better products, manufacturing techniques or processes, services and means of transportation.
In addition, international trade has an important influence on the international political climate. As restrictions regulating business across borders are lifted, and countries co-operate and come to agreements on a commercial level, they are more likely to also co-operate on other levels, and political relationships are enhanced and improved.
As a result of international trade, there has been significant growth in globalization over the last few decades. This is partly due to a range of factors:
- Advancement in communications and transportation technologies
- Global competition, increased opportunities and better prices
- Consumers are aware of and demand foreign goods or services
- Removal of international business restrictions by governments
- Provision of services simplifying international business
- Cooperation and agreements on an international level
International trade is therefore of vital importance to a continual growth in globalization. It presents consumers with an opportunity to access products and services not available in their own countries and gives businesses greater opportunities to market their products. As a result of this, competition increases and prices are more competitive, an advantage for consumers.
It is also important in a technological aspect, as both increased competition and the greater distances to be covered in the transport of goods lead to an increase in development and innovation of new, more advanced or altogether better products, manufacturing techniques or processes, services and means of transportation.
In addition, international trade has an important influence on the international political climate. As restrictions regulating business across borders are lifted, and countries co-operate and come to agreements on a commercial level, they are more likely to also co-operate on other levels, and political relationships are enhanced and improved.