You know all those folks who keep saying how terrible it is that the UK has a trade deficit? That we have to export our way out into the world? That we cannot – because it’s immoral fattening or perhaps just plain enjoyable – just carry on buying more from foreigners than we sell to them?
Well there you go, there’s a trade surplus. Last one of those was when Lamont and Major were running the economy and fewer tens of thousands died that time.
So, there you go, very important trade surpluses are oh yes, very important indeed.