An export quota is a government-imposed limit on the quantity of a specific product that can be exported during a given time period. This regulation is often used to control the supply of goods in the international market, ensuring that domestic needs are met before allowing excess production to be sold abroad. Countries may implement export quotas for various reasons, including protecting local industries, stabilizing prices, or complying with international agreements. For example, a nation might set an export quota on agricultural products to ensure that its citizens have enough food while still allowing some surplus to be sold internationally.