The crossword answer for “how much more a country buys than sells” (5,3) is TRADE GAP.

Quick Scoop: What the clue means

This clue is talking about the situation where a country’s imports (what it buys from abroad) are greater than its exports (what it sells abroad). That difference is called a trade gap in economics, and crossword setters often use this exact phrase for clues like:

  • “How much more a country buys than sells (5,3)”
  • “Amount by which imports exceed exports”
  • “Sales deficit (5,3)”

All of these point to TRADE GAP as an 8‑letter answer split 5,3.

Why “TRADE GAP” fits the grid

  • Pattern: 5,3 → TRADE (5) + GAP (3).
  • Definition in plain English: the amount by which a country’s imports exceed its exports.
  • Recently used: listed as the answer to “How much more a country buys than sells (5,3)” in a March 24, 2026 The Sun 2-Speed crossword help page.

So if your crossword grid shows something like:

  • T R A D E
  • G A P

…you’ve got the right fill.

Mini FAQ

  1. Is “trade deficit” also possible?
    In economics, yes—“trade deficit” is a common term. But it is 5,8, so it does not match a (5,3) enumeration and won’t fit a standard 8‑letter slot.

  2. Where else is this used?
    Crossword databases also list TRADEGAP as the answer to clues like “amount by which imports exceed exports.”

Answer: TRADE GAP

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