This should be intuitive when trade consists of bartering with goods, but currencies can confuse the issue.

FORBES: The Benefits of Free Trade Agreements: The Country Always Wins

The Consumer Product Safety Commission works with companies to issue recalls when it finds consumer goods that can be harmful.

NPR: Big Bird, Elmo Hit in Latest 'Made in China' Recall

Shippers have urged the government to issue certificates that would assure foreign ports that goods are radiation-free.

ECONOMIST: A spreading cloud of economic and human costs

The real issue is that there is insufficient demand for goods and services.

FORBES: Suicide by Sequestration

The issue is whether Europe, eager to export its industrial goods, is ready in return to open both its industrial and its agricultural doors.

ECONOMIST: Latin America and Europe

Guangdong Kelon, China's largest private white-goods maker, was the first private company to list in Hong Kong, with a share issue in 1996.

FORBES: Chinese Capitalism Gets a Face