What is typically a primary advantage of a trade surplus?

A primary advantage of a trade surplus is the strengthening of the national currency. When a country exports more than it imports, there is an increased demand for its goods and, consequently, its currency. For foreign buyers to purchase the exporting country's products, they need to exchange their currency for that of the exporting country, which boosts the value of the national currency. This appreciation can lead to several positive economic effects, including lowering the cost of imported goods and making travel and foreign investments more affordable for residents.

In contrast, decreased domestic production would typically occur with a trade deficit rather than a surplus, while increased foreign investment might not be directly linked to a trade surplus. Higher unemployment rates generally indicate economic distress, which would not align with the favorable conditions often associated with a trade surplus. Thus, strengthening of the national currency clearly stands out as a primary and beneficial outcome of maintaining a trade surplus.