What is characterized by spending on imports exceeding revenue from exports?

A situation where spending on imports exceeds revenue from exports is referred to as a current account deficit. This occurs when a country is importing more goods and services than it is exporting, leading to a negative balance in the current account component of the balance of payments. A current account deficit indicates that a country is relying on foreign capital to finance its imports, which can impact its financial stability in the long term.

In this context, the other options can be clarified: a current account surplus would indicate the opposite scenario, where exports exceed imports, creating a positive balance. The term "balance of payments" refers to a complete record of all economic transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world, which encompasses both the current account and capital account, rather than specifically focusing on the surplus or deficit. Additionally, a trade surplus specifically highlights a situation where exports of goods and services surpass imports, which does not align with the characterization of spending exceeding revenue from exports.