International trade allows for a more competitive price market and greater competitors in the market. International trade can affect the global economy by making accessible goods, supply, demand and services that may not be available to the consumer on a global scale. Imports and exports are very important for international trade. According to Investopedia, an import is where a good or service is imported into a country from another country. The higher the value of imports entering a country relative to the value of exports, the more negative that country's trade balance becomes. Meanwhile, Investopedia defines an export as a function of international trade whereby goods produced in one country are shipped to another country for future sale or trade where the sales of those goods will add to the country's gross production . Exports are exchanged for other products or services in other countries if used for commercial purposes.