Final answer:
Robinson's request for resources from Friday to work on an irrigation project while offering future repayment creates a trade imbalance, with Friday in surplus and Robinson in deficit.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Robinson was shipwrecked on a desert island, he was the sole producer and consumer in his economy. The entry of Friday into this economy introduces the concept of a two-person economy, where the balance of trade becomes a new dynamic to consider. In this scenario, if Robinson proposes that Friday provide him with fish and coconuts while he works on an irrigation system, a trade imbalance is created. Friday would have a trade surplus, exporting goods without immediate returns, and Robinson would incur a trade deficit, receiving more than he provides at that moment.
This situation mirrors real-world trade dynamics, where countries or entities may have trade surpluses or deficits with one another. Such imbalances can be a normal part of economic relations, as long as they are sustainable over the long term and both parties benefit from the arrangement. Robinson's promise to repay Friday with the extra produce from his irrigated garden represents future compensation for the current imbalance.