The merchandise balance of trade is the difference between exports and imports. In this case, it is the difference between $1,046 – $1,562, a trade deficit of –$516 billion. The current account balance is –$419 billion. See the completed Table 3. For the balance of trade examples, if the USA imported $1.8 trillion in 2016, but exported $1.2 trillion to other countries, then the USA had a trade balance of -$600 billion, or a $600 billion trade deficit. $1.8 trillion in imports – $1.2 trillion in exports = $600 billion trade deficit For any economy current asset,