[] () the difference between the amount of money one country pays to other countries, especially for imports, and the amount it receives, especially from exports; the official record of this over a particular period 国际收支差额（尤指一国在一定时期之内的进出口差额）；国际收支◆An increase in exports would help Britain's balance of payments. 出口的增加将有助（改善）英国的国际收支差额。◆a balance of payments surplus(= profit) 国际收支顺差◆The country recorded a £9.5 billion balance of payments deficit(= debt) for the year. 本年度这国的国际收支逆差为 95 亿英镑。➡ see note at balance of trade