International trade takes place as a result of inequitable distribution of natural resources. Countries have different types and amounts of resources available to them, such as minerals, timber, oil, and agricultural land. Some countries have abundant natural resources while others have limited resources. International trade allows countries to exchange goods and services with each other based on their comparative advantage. This means that each country can specialize in producing the goods and services that they are relatively better at producing, and trade them with other countries in exchange for goods and services that they need but are less efficient at producing themselves. In this way, countries can benefit from the resources and expertise of other nations, and increase their overall economic welfare.