Our gain from foreign trade is what we import. Exports are…
““Our gain from foreign trade is what we import. Exports are the price we pay to get imports. As Adam Smith saw so clearly, the citizens of a nation benefit from getting as large a volume of imports as possible in return for its exports, or equivalently, from exporting as little as possible to pay for its imports.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A nation benefits by importing many goods and keeping exports low, as this maximizes trade surplus.
In simple terms: Import more, export less to gain.
Key Takeaway
Balance trade for national advantage.
Themes
trade
economics
national policy
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
economic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government trade policy
- business export strategy
- consumer pricing
- international negotiations
Key Concepts
comparative advantage
balance of payments
economic theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term effects of trade imbalances?
- How does this view align with modern trade agreements?
A Different Perspective
Complex global markets can make this strategy risky.