International trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries.International trade allows markets to expand, offering food, clothes and much more, that would otherwise not be available. Global trade allows a country to best use its resources. Countries that cannot efficiently produce a certain good may obtain it by trading with another country that can—this is called specialization. Country A and Country B both produce cotton sweaters and wine. Country A produces 10 sweaters and six bottles of wine a year, and B produces six sweaters and 10 bottles of wine. Both are making 16 total units. Country A takes three hours to make sweaters and two to produce wine; B needs one hour for its sweaters and three for its wine. Each can produce more by focusing on the product with which it has a competitive advantage. Country A starts producing only wine, and B produces only sweaters. Each can make 20 units per year and trade equal portions of both products. Specialization maximizes each country’s efficiency in acquiring goods. International trade also stimulates foreign direct investment—money that’s invested into foreign companies and assets. Receiving governments benefit from the currency and expertise that spur growth in their countries, while FDI investors help companies expand and grow. Some argue international trade allows inefficiencies that compromise developing nations. As the global economy changes, however, its participants must continue to evolve as well.