Foreign trade involves the exchange of goods and services between countries, encompassing both exports and imports.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Foreign trade: buying and selling goods/services internationally.
- Includes exports (selling abroad) and imports (buying from abroad).
- Key to national economy and global exchange.
Overview
外贸，即对外贸易，是指一个国家或地区与其他的国家或地区之间发生的商品和服务的交换。它是国家经济活动的重要组成部分，能够促进经济增长、增加就业、引进先进技术和管理经验，并满足国内消费者对多样化商品的需求。外贸主要包括两个方面：出口（将本国生产的商品和服务销售到国外）和进口（从国外购买商品和服务）。
外贸通常作为一个名词使用，可以与“公司”、“业务”、“政策”、“协定”、“市场”、“产品”等词语搭配。例如，“这家公司主要从事外贸业务”，“政府出台了新的外贸扶持政策”，“我们正在拓展海外外贸市场”。在句子中，外贸可以作为主语、宾语或定语。
外贸这个词在商业、经济、国际关系、新闻报道以及日常生活（尤其是在沿海或边境地区）中非常常见。例如，在谈论经济发展时，人们会讨论外贸对GDP的贡献；在讨论国际合作时，会涉及外贸协定；在企业介绍中，会提到公司的外贸能力。
与“国际贸易”相比，“外贸”更侧重于“对外”的贸易活动，强调的是“出”和“进”的动作。而“国际贸易”则是一个更广泛的概念，涵盖了所有跨越国界的贸易活动，包括国内的转口贸易等。“进出口”是外贸的两个组成部分，分别指进口和出口业务。例如，我们可以说“中国的外贸额持续增长”，也可以说“中国的进口和出口贸易额都在增加”。
Examples
这家公司在外贸方面经验丰富。
everydayThis company has rich experience in foreign trade.
政府致力于优化外贸营商环境。
formalThe government is committed to optimizing the business environment for foreign trade.
我们正在和几个外国客户谈外贸合同。
informalWe are discussing foreign trade contracts with several foreign clients.
研究表明，积极的外贸政策有助于提升国家竞争力。
academicResearch indicates that proactive foreign trade policies help enhance national competitiveness.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
外贸出口
foreign trade export
外贸进口
foreign trade import
外贸公司
foreign trade company
Often Confused With
While often used interchangeably, 'international trade' is broader and encompasses all trade across borders. 'Foreign trade' (外贸) often emphasizes the perspective of a single country engaging in trade with others, focusing on its exports and imports.
'Domestic trade' refers to the exchange of goods and services within a country's borders. 'Foreign trade' specifically involves transactions between different countries.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '外贸' (wàimào) is widely used in Chinese contexts related to business and economics. It's a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal discussions about international commerce. When discussing specific transactions, it's common to specify '出口' (export) or '进口' (import).
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '外贸' with purely domestic trade or struggle to differentiate it precisely from the broader term '国际贸易'. Ensure context is clear: '外贸' often implies a national perspective on international commerce.
Tips
Understanding Foreign Trade Basics
Foreign trade is essential for economic growth. It allows countries to specialize and benefit from global markets.
Beware of Trade Barriers
Be aware that tariffs, quotas, and regulations can impact foreign trade operations and costs.
Cultural Nuances in Trade
Understanding cultural differences is crucial for successful foreign trade negotiations and relationships.
Word Origin
The term '外贸' is a compound word. '外' (wài) means 'outside', 'external', or 'foreign'. '贸' (mào) is derived from '贸易' (màoyì), meaning 'trade' or 'commerce'. Together, they directly translate to 'external trade' or 'foreign trade'.
Cultural Context
Foreign trade has been a significant driver of China's economic modernization since the Reform and Opening Up policy. Understanding '外贸' is key to grasping China's economic development narrative and its role in the global economy.
Memory Tip
Think of '外' (wài) as 'out' or 'external', and '贸' (mào) as 'trade'. So, '外贸' is literally 'external trade' – trade happening outside your country's borders.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions外贸通常指一个国家对外的贸易活动，强调“对外”的性质。国际贸易是更广泛的概念，指所有跨越国界的贸易，包括转口贸易等。在很多情况下，两者可以互换使用，但外贸更侧重于本国的视角。
外贸主要包括出口和进口两大部分。出口是指将本国生产的商品和服务销售到其他国家；进口则是指从其他国家购买商品和服务。
外贸对国家经济发展至关重要。它可以促进经济增长，增加就业机会，引进国外先进的技术和管理经验，同时也能让国内消费者获得更多样化的商品选择。
外贸公司是专门从事对外贸易的企业。它们通常负责处理商品的出口和进口事宜，包括寻找买家或供应商、洽谈合同、办理报关、运输等一系列流程。
Test Yourself
这家公司主要从事_____业务，产品远销海外。
句子的后半部分提到“产品远销海外”，说明是与国外进行的贸易，因此“外贸”最合适。
政府最近发布了一系列新的_____政策，旨在鼓励出口。
政策内容是“鼓励出口”，这属于对外贸易的范畴，所以选择“外贸”。
词语：商品、出口、增加、我国、外贸
这个句子结构完整，主语是“我国外贸”，谓语是“增加”，宾语是“出口商品”，符合中文表达习惯。
Score: /3
Summary
Foreign trade involves the exchange of goods and services between countries, encompassing both exports and imports.
- Foreign trade: buying and selling goods/services internationally.
- Includes exports (selling abroad) and imports (buying from abroad).
- Key to national economy and global exchange.
Understanding Foreign Trade Basics
Foreign trade is essential for economic growth. It allows countries to specialize and benefit from global markets.
Beware of Trade Barriers
Be aware that tariffs, quotas, and regulations can impact foreign trade operations and costs.
Cultural Nuances in Trade
Understanding cultural differences is crucial for successful foreign trade negotiations and relationships.
Examples
4 of 4这家公司在外贸方面经验丰富。
This company has rich experience in foreign trade.
政府致力于优化外贸营商环境。
The government is committed to optimizing the business environment for foreign trade.
我们正在和几个外国客户谈外贸合同。
We are discussing foreign trade contracts with several foreign clients.
研究表明，积极的外贸政策有助于提升国家竞争力。
Research indicates that proactive foreign trade policies help enhance national competitiveness.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More business words
本事
A2Skill; ability; capability.
相应地
B1Correspondingly.
账号
A2account (e.g., bank, online)
客户经理
A2account manager
账户
B1A record of financial transactions for an individual or business, usually at a bank; or a user profile for a digital service.
会计
A2accounting, accountant
收购
B1To purchase; to acquire (a company).
商业活动
A2Business activity.
广告费
A2Advertising expenses.
调整
B1To change something slightly in order to make it more correct, effective, or suitable.
