In an increasingly interconnected global economy, international trade serves as the lifeblood for many nations, fueling growth, innovation, and prosperity. However, the degree to which economies rely on cross-border flows varies dramatically, with some thriving on exports and imports while others maintain more self-sufficient models. A key metric for gauging this dependence is the trade-to-GDP ratio, calculated as the sum of a country's exports and imports of goods and services divided by its gross domestic product (GDP). This ratio reveals how much an economy's output is intertwined with global markets: a higher percentage signals greater vulnerability to external shocks, such as tariffs or geopolitical tensions, but also highlights opportunities for expansion through international partnerships.
