International trade is the exchange of goods and services between countries, playing an important role in global economic growth. These activities allow countries to exploit their comparative advantages, produce goods at lower costs, and market their products globally. This opens up access to wider markets and facilitates international flows of capital and investment. This is reflected in the increase in global trade volume, reaching more than 25 trillion US dollars in 2021. One of the positive impacts of international trade is increasing economic efficiency. Countries can focus on producing the goods they are best at, producing more with fewer resources. For example, countries with fertile land can be efficient food producers, while countries with advanced technology can excel in electronic products. This specialization not only increases productivity, but also brings innovation through technological exchange. In addition, international trade increases consumer access to various products. Consumers in developing countries can enjoy products from developed countries, while developed countries get products at more affordable prices from developing countries. This creates diversification of consumption and improves the quality of life. Therefore, international trade contributes to increasing living standards in many countries. However, the negative impacts of international trade also need to be considered. Some countries may experience losses due to the decline of local industries due to global competition. For example, manufacturing industries in developed countries are often affected by cheap goods from countries with lower production costs. This could lead to increased unemployment if the sector cannot adapt. Environmental impacts are also a concern. Increased trade volumes often contribute to pollution and exploitation of natural resources. Transporting goods between countries increases carbon emissions, worsening climate change. Therefore, trade management must be carried out with a sustainable approach to minimize this negative impact. International trade also strengthens political and social relations between countries. Through cooperation in trade, countries tend to collaborate in other areas, such as security and social issues. However, tensions can arise when countries feel they have an advantage in trade, which can lead to conflict. Furthermore, trade policies, such as tariffs and quotas, can significantly influence global markets. Countries that adopt protectionism risk slowing their own economic growth and triggering retaliation from other countries. This creates instability that can be detrimental to all parties involved. With the development of information technology, international trade is now increasingly integrated. E-commerce provides an opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to participate in global markets, expand their customer base and increase revenue. Secure electronic payments and an efficient logistics system make this business easier. Language and cultural barriers remain a challenge in international trade. To succeed, companies must adapt to local preferences and customs. Additionally, understanding the rules and regulations in various countries is also important to avoid legal problems. In the digital era, data protection and cyber security are also important issues. Companies involved in international trade must protect their customers’ information to maintain their reputation and consumer trust. Overall, international trade has had a profound impact on globalization, influencing many aspects of economic and social life. Fair and sustainable trade can help drive economic growth and improve the well-being of people around the world.