Trade is the buying and selling of commodities and services between people , companies or countries . It provides people and countries with what they need or want, typically for what they have in surplus.

It can be local, e.g. in a town or country or international, e.g. between various countries. It is important for economic progress, it promotes specialisation and it helps to link markets around the globe.

Trade is an important activity and helps prosperity and co-operation through access to a greater range of goods and services.