What does the term countertrade refer to?

Countertrade refers to a method of trading goods and services without the use of money. It usually involves a reciprocal exchange between two parties, where one party provides a product or service and receives something else of value in return, rather than payment in cash. This practice is particularly useful in situations where currency may not be stable or available, allowing countries and businesses to engage in trade despite financial constraints.

In international trade scenarios where cash transactions are challenging due to political or economic factors, countertrade can provide a viable solution, fostering trade relationships and enhancing market access. This form of trade can take various shapes, such as barter (exchanging goods for goods), counterpurchase (where a seller agrees to purchase goods from the buyer that are equivalent in value to the initial sale), or offset agreements.

The other options describe different trading practices or concepts that do not specifically capture the essence of countertrade, which is characterized by the absence of direct monetary transaction.