In International Trade, “exports” refers to selling goods and services produced in the home country to other markets. Export of commercial quantities of goods normally requires involvement of the customs authorities in both the country of export and the country of import.

Exports are one of the oldest forms of economic transfer, and occur on a large scale between nations that have fewer restrictions on trade, such as tariffs or subsidies.

Most of the largest companies operating in advanced economies will derive a substantial portion of their annual revenues from exports to other countries. The ability to export goods helps an economy to grow by selling more overall goods and services. One of the core functions of diplomacy and foreign policy within governments is to foster economic trade in ways that benefit both parties involved.