Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain what trade is and why countries trade with each other.

Key learning points

  1. Global trade involves exporting goods from one country and importing them to other countries.
  2. Commodities are raw materials which can be bought and sold.
  3. Manufacturing uses raw materials to make other goods for sale.
  4. Import and export data can be used to show the types and amounts of things that countries trade around the world.

Keywords

  • Trade - the buying, selling or exchanging of things between people, companies and countries

  • Import - goods and services brought in from another country

  • Export - goods and services sold to another country

  • Tax - money that is paid to the government to pay for things like schools and healthcare

Common misconception

You can only trade goods.

You can trade goods and services such as education and finance services.

Teacher tip

Bring in an example of a commodity and manufactured good to show the difference.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
is the process of countries becoming more connected and interdependent.

Correct Answer: Globalisation

Q2.
Which of the following is an example of global trade?

A local farmer selling their vegetables only in their town.
Correct answer: A company in the USA buying smartphones made in China.
A school organising a book swap within the local area.

Q3.
Which of these is a positive effect of globalisation?

Fewer people have access to technology.
Correct answer: There are job opportunities in different countries that people can migrate for.
Countries become more isolated from each other.

Q4.
Which of the following is an example of a product that might be traded internationally?

A locally made chair
Correct answer: A laptop
A homemade sandwich

Q5.
How has the internet affected globalisation?

Correct answer: It helps people stay more connected with each other.
It stops people from interacting with other countries.
It limits the spread of ideas and information.

Q6.
How can globalisation affect local cultures?

It has no effect on local cultures.
Correct answer: It can lead to the mixing of cultures and the sharing of ideas.
It causes local cultures to disappear completely.

4 Questions

Q1.
means the buying, selling or exchanging of things between people, companies and countries.

Correct Answer: Trade

Q2.
Which of these is a 'good'?

Correct answer: clothes
education
travel

Q3.
Which of these is a service?

food
Correct answer: banking
furniture

Q4.
Global trade involves exporting goods and services from one country and them to other countries.

Correct Answer: importing

To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: The importance of trade, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...