[scottiebarnes]

Generally I'd rather be in a trade surplus; I would want my country to sell more things than it buys. Energy, technology, machinery, services, whatever it is, if I'm selling, it means I have productive capability/advantage over others and thus more independence.

[direwolf20]

If you have a deficit, you have free stuff. If you have a surplus, you have the ability to produce stuff, but you're throwing away the stuff you produce. The ideal value is probably zero — perfect balance, as all things should be.