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Terms of Trade - TOT

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Definition of 'Terms of Trade - TOT'

The value of a country's exports relative to that of its imports. It is calculated by dividing the value of exports by the value of imports, then multiplying the result by 100. If a country's terms of trade (TOT) is less than 100%, there is more capital going out (to buy imports) than there is coming in. A result greater than 100% means the country is accumulating capital (more money is coming in from exports).
Investopedia Says

Investopedia explains 'Terms of Trade - TOT'

Using the terms of trade to determine the health of a country's economy can draw the wrong conclusions. It is important to know why exports increase relative to imports, especially since the terms of trade are directly impacted by changes in export and import prices. Terms of trade measurement is often recorded in an index for economic monitoring.

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