Classification of Trade
Trade can be classified into two main categories: Internal Trade and External Trade. Understanding this classification is essential for grasping how goods and services move in different economic contexts.
Internal Trade (Home Trade)
Internal trade takes place within a country's boundaries and involves transactions conducted in the local currency. Here are the two primary types:
- Wholesale Trade: Involves purchasing goods in large quantities primarily to sell them to retailers, helping in stock management for retail operations.
- Retail Trade: Involves selling products directly to the end consumers in smaller quantities, where the focus is on consumer satisfaction and market trends.
External Trade (Foreign Trade)
External trade occurs between two or more countries and involves currency exchanges that may include foreign exchange. This category is divided into three types:
- Import Trade: Purchasing goods from other countries, thus contributing to the domestic consumption of foreign products.
- Export Trade: The practice of sending goods to other countries and generating revenue through international sales.
- Entrepot Trade: Involves importing goods and then re-exporting them, often serving as a critical point in global supply chains.
Summary
Understanding these classifications aids in comprehending broader trade dynamics, such as market behavior and economic implications within a country versus across nations.