The difference between exports and imports (5,3)
I believe the answer is:
trade gap
'the difference between exports and imports' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for trade gap that I've seen before include "That by which imports outvalue exports" , "Import-export concern" , "Economic deficit" , "Import value minus export value" , "'The difference between exports and imports (5,3)'" .)