Which of the following defines net exports?

Net exports represent the difference between the total value of a country's exports and the total value of its imports. Therefore, it is calculated by taking the gross exports—goods and services sold to other countries—and subtracting the imports, which are the goods and services purchased from other countries. The resulting figure can be positive or negative, indicating whether a country has a trade surplus (more exports than imports) or a trade deficit (more imports than exports). This measurement is crucial in understanding a country's economic standing in the global market and its impact on domestic economic health.

The other choices do not accurately capture the definition of net exports. The first option only addresses exports without considering imports. The third option reverses the process by suggesting calculating net exports as imports minus exports, which yields an incorrect and misleading figure. The fourth option mentions value of trade balances, which is related but does not correctly define net exports itself, focusing instead on fiscal year trade balances rather than the specific calculation of exports and imports.