Briefing
Should We Worry about Trade Imbalances?
Abstract: Trade imbalances are a perennial concern for policymakers and the public. But what does it mean for a country to have a trade surplus or deficit? The United States has run persistent trade deficits since the late 1970s, while Germany has had trade surpluses since the 1990s. Is either position inherently good or bad? The answer to this fundamental question of economic policy is a resounding "no" ? up to a point.
Keywords: Trade; trade imbalances;
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https://www.richmondfed.org/-/media/richmondfedorg/publications/research/economic_brief/2017/pdf/eb_17-10.pdf
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Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Part of Series: Richmond Fed Economic Brief
Publication Date: 2017
Issue: October