What may occur if a country maintains an ongoing trade deficit?

Maintaining an ongoing trade deficit can indeed lead to foreign debt accumulation. A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports. To finance this deficit, the country may need to borrow from foreign lenders, leading to an increase in foreign debt. This situation implies that the country is relying on external financing to support its consumption and economic growth, which can create vulnerabilities in the economy, especially if there are shifts in investor confidence or changes in global financial conditions.

Over time, as the trade deficit persists, the total amount of foreign debt can grow significantly, raising concerns about the country's ability to service that debt in the future. Such accumulation may impact a nation's credit rating, affect its currency stability, and create economic pressures that could lead to adverse consequences if not managed prudently.

The other options do not accurately portray the implications of a trade deficit. A trade deficit typically does not lead to a stronger currency; in fact, it might put downward pressure on the currency as demand for foreign currencies increases to pay for imports. It certainly does not ensure an equal trade balance, which is contrary to the definition of a trade deficit. Lastly, claiming that a trade deficit has no economic impact overlooks the significant implications it has for national debt and economic stability