Comment • Favourable: if the value of visible exports is greater than the value of visible imports = surplus • Unfavourable: if the value of visible exports is less than the value of visible imports = deficit • Balanced: if the value of visible exports is equal to the value of visible imports = balanced
EXAM PREPARATION!
State ‘balance of trade’. Explain it with an example. Apply it to another unit.
Write It!
Calculate Ireland’s balance of trade using the following figures:
Ireland exported €123
billion and imported €70 billion worth of goods.
Balance of Payments
The balance of payments is the difference between the total values of all goods and services that Ireland exports and imports. This is both visible and invisible trade.
Balance of Payments = Total Exports – Total Imports (visible + invisible exports) – (visible + invisible imports)
Calculate the balance of payments. Example
Balance of Payments (BOP)
Total Exports Visible exports Invisible exports
Less Total Imports Visible imports Invisible imports Surplus
millions €
300 350 650 250
200 450 200
millions €
Examination Tips
Show the formula. Show your workings.
Use the currency symbol/amount in millions or billions.
State if the balance of payments is favourable (surplus), unfavourable (deficit) or balanced.
Know It!
• Total Exports – Total Imports • Total Exports = Visible Exports + Invisible Exports • Total Imports = Visible Imports + Invisible Imports