A trade table shows what a country sells and buys, and a transport network shows how those goods move. Reading both means calculating a balance and then explaining the pattern.
This lesson is part of economic activities and resources. For general table and graph reading, see map and graph skills.
How do I read a trade table?
Follow three steps.
- Add the exports and imports columns for totals.
- Subtract imports from exports for the overall balance.
- Repeat the subtraction for each partner, and then comment on the pattern.
The balance with each partner explains the overall result. A total surplus can hide a deficit with one partner.
Worked example: a fictional country’s trade
All figures are in RM million, for an invented country.
| Partner | Exports | Imports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 450 | 300 | +150 |
| B | 200 | 320 | −120 |
| C | 150 | 90 | +60 |
| Total | 800 | 710 | +90 |
Exports: 450 + 200 + 150 = 800. Imports: 300 + 320 + 90 = 710. The overall balance is 800 − 710 = a surplus of RM90 million.
Partner A is the largest trade partner and gives the largest surplus (+150). Partner B is the only deficit (−120), because the country buys RM320 million from it and sells only RM200 million.
The two positive balances (+150 and +60) add to +210, and B’s −120 takes it down to +90.
How do I read a transport network?
Identify the nodes, the links and the flow. A port with five routes meeting at it is likely the busiest node, because goods from each route pass through it.
To explain why, give evidence and then a reason: “The port has five road and rail links, so it collects goods from a wide area. The area behind the port supplies exports, and the port shortens the sea route to the main buyers.”
The mistake that costs marks
A common slip is to assume the biggest partner has the best balance. In this table A is both, but that is not always true, so always calculate.
A second slip is forgetting the sign. “The balance with B is 120” loses the meaning. Write “a deficit of RM120 million”.
Check yourself
A fictional country trades with D (exports 260, imports 180), E (exports 90, imports 140) and F (exports 310, imports 270), in RM million. Find the overall balance and the partner with a deficit.
Answer
Balances: D = 260 − 180 = +80. E = 90 − 140 = −50. F = 310 − 270 = +40.
Total exports = 660, total imports = 590, so the overall balance is a surplus of RM70 million (80 − 50 + 40 = 70).
The partner with a deficit is E, at RM50 million.
What to study next
Test the cluster with the economic activities practice set. For more table and graph drills, try the map and graph reading practice.
If you want a teacher to work through trade tables with you, see online one-to-one Geography tuition.