* International trade involves the exchange of goods and services across international borders, encompassing countries across the globe. It's a broader concept, including trade between any two or more nations regardless of their geographical proximity.
* Regional trade focuses on the exchange of goods and services within a specific geographic region. This region could be a continent (like Europe), a sub-continent (like South Asia), or a smaller group of neighboring countries that have formed a trade bloc or agreement (like NAFTA/USMCA or the European Union). The key is the concentration of trade within a defined area.
Think of it like this: International trade is the big picture, while regional trade is a zoomed-in section of that picture. Regional trade agreements aim to streamline and facilitate trade within the region by reducing or eliminating tariffs, standardizing regulations, and promoting investment flows *specifically among the member countries*. International trade, on the other hand, lacks this regional focus and involves a much wider array of countries and trade relationships, often with varying levels of trade restrictions.