trueques

Trueque, or barter, is the direct exchange of goods or services without money. It is one of the oldest forms of trade and remains common in many societies, especially where currency is scarce or informal economies prevail.

Historically, trueques supported exchange in ancient and medieval economies. Today they persist in rural markets, crisis situations, and among communities that prefer non-monetary cooperation.

How it works: participants offer items or services and seek equivalents in return. Success depends on matching wants and agreeing on value, which can be subjective. Valuation factors include usefulness, condition, and scarcity; records or third-party mediators are often used.

Modern variants include LETS and barter networks that use credits, time banks that trade hours of service, and online platforms that connect buyers and sellers. Corporate barter also exists, trading goods or advertising space through brokers.

Benefits and challenges: Barter can conserve cash, reuse resources, and build community ties, but it can be inefficient, hard to value, and prone to disputes. Tax and regulatory treatment differs by jurisdiction.

In sum, trueques describe the traditional and modern practice of exchanging goods or services without money, adapted to different contexts as a complement to monetary trade.