Trade generally refers to the buying and selling of goods and services.  Data generated in the trade sector in Negros Occidental shows the inward and outward flow of commodities.  These data presents commodities exported from the province to the local markets and foreign markets and the commodities imported locally and foreign.  These information can be used by business executives and entrepreneurs to determine commodities for production that have high potentials both locally and internationally and identify markets for investment.  Furthermore, government executives, legislators and planners can use these information in planning and implementing programs, projects and services that can boost the trading activities in the province and at the same time identify disparities in the demand and supply of some commodities.

This chapter contains data on the volume of commodities that pass through various ports located in Negros Occidental either for export or import both locally and foreign.  Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is the source of data on commodity flows based on their actual reports.