Which of the following is a primary factor that contributes to a trade surplus?

A trade surplus occurs when the value of a country's exports exceeds the value of its imports. This means that the country sells more goods and services to other nations than it buys from them. High levels of exports directly contribute to a trade surplus because they generate revenue for the country, leading to a positive balance of trade.

When a country has high levels of exports, it not only brings in more income but also strengthens its economy, potentially leading to job creation and increased production. This scenario indicates that the country is competitive in the global market, effectively meeting the demand for its products abroad.

In contrast, high levels of imports or low levels of exports would negatively impact the trade balance, as the country would be spending more on foreign goods than it earns from selling its own goods. Balanced trade agreements aim to create equal levels of imports and exports, which would not result in a surplus, but rather a balance. Thus, the primary factor contributing to a trade surplus is clearly high levels of exports.