The Galactic Market has officially phased out the long-standing use of Energy Credits as a universal currency, replacing it with a new resource known simply as ‘trade.’

The change follows the Galactic Community’s attempts to streamline economic activity by removing the concept of ‘currency,’ which has been described as “too abstract” by a leading aquatic think-tank.

Following the transition, space-nations and individuals alike must now complete transactions with their interpretation of what a unit of trade entails.

“It’s been a challenge,” barista John Costa-Pret told Xenonion. “Customers are just giving me blank looks when I ask them to pay for their cup of zroffee with 0.000086 of a container ship containing a trade good of their choosing. One human tried to pay me with ‘vibes’ alone. I accepted, as the vibe was pretty strong.”

The galaxy’s major economies are scrambling to adapt to the change, repurposing trade fleets to haul both intangible goods like ‘cross-platform engagement’ alongside more traditional consumer goods like Blorg body-pillows and scented candles.

The Galactic Community states the new system will stabilize once someone figures out what ‘trade’ actually is and how to store it. In the meantime, citizens are advised to carry at least one container ship containing 6.8 tonnes of alloys, 300,000 assorted fridge magnets and a bard to explain the emotional value of the payment at all times.